South Africa playing XI for first Australia Test: No Rabada; Nortje, Bedingham return
South Africa has announced its playing XI for the first Test match against Australia in Durban, featuring the return of Anrich Nortje and David Bedingham. Kagiso Rabada will miss the match due to a hamstring injury, while the team selection suggests a focus on spin-friendly conditions.
Why it matters
Team selection for high-profile international cricket matches significantly impacts the competitive landscape of the World Test Championship.
South Africa playing XI for first Australia Test: No Rabada; Nortje, Bedingham return left Kagiso Rabada, who missed the ODI series with a hamstring injury, will not take part in the first Test. Reuters Reuters https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/whuw7w/article71559381.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-10-08T105047Z_1060915365_RC2L1FAUUW9Y_RTRMADP_3_CRICKET-TEST-ZAF-AUS.JPG ANDREW BOYERS FILE PHOTO: Cricket - 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final - South Africa v Australia - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - June 13, 2025 South Africa's Kagiso Rabada reacts Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo Chennai Temba Bavuma will lead the side which features two spinners and two fast bowlers, an early indication the wicket at Durban could assist spinners. South Africa announced its playing XI for the first Test against Australia at Durban on Tuesday. Speedster Kagiso Rabada, who missed the ODI series with a hamstring injury, will not take part in the first Test.
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4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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