Rabada out but 'X-Factor' Nortje in for South Africa
South African cricketer Kagiso Rabada will miss the first test against Australia due to a hamstring injury, while Anrich Nortje returns to the squad. Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed excitement for the upcoming series between the world's top two ranked teams.
Why it matters
The series is a critical component of the international cricket calendar, impacting World Test Championship standings and global rankings.
Star South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will miss the first test against Australia starting at Kingsmead on Friday – but Anrich Nortje will return for his first test appearance since 2023.
Rabada, who took nine wickets in the match when South Africa beat the same opponents in the World Test Championship final at Lord's last year, would be given more time to recover from a hamstring injury, according to South African captain Temba Bavuma.
But Bavuma was excited by the return of Nortje, who he said was an "X-Factor" player. "There are not many guys around bowling at 150kmh plus," Bavuma said at his pre-match press conference.
🇿🇦 Anrich Nortje makes his Test cricket return for the Proteas since March 2023 👏 #SSCricket #SAvAUS https://t.co/NiLDKwOuuG
Nortje, 32, has had a history of injuries, including back stress fractures, but has been working hard on his fitness.
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