Aussies dodge big RSA threat but worrying pitch sight backed up by surprise XI call
Australia's cricket team faces selection uncertainty ahead of their Test series against South Africa due to a head cold affecting Cooper Connolly. Meanwhile, South Africa has opted to rest Kagiso Rabada for the opening match in Durban.
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High-profile international cricket matches are significant cultural and sporting events that draw large audiences and impact global sports rankings.
CRICKET Aussies dodge big threat as worrying pitch sight, young gun twist complicate selection call Aussie stars preview South Africa series | 10:23 Courtney Walsh in South Africa from Fox Sports October 9th, 2026 8:14 am Australia has dodged the menacing threat posed by Kagiso Rabada for the opening Test against South Africa beginning in Durban on Friday after he failed in a late bid to prove his fitness.
However, they have a late selection query of their own, with Cooper Connolly leaving training in a mask as he battles a head cold.
Any doubt over Connolly would further complicate a difficult selection dilemma for the visitors, who are weighing up which two of the Western Australian, Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster play in the middle order in Durban.
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