Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje Fit for South Africa’s Must-Win Test Against Australia
Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje are fit for South Africa’s second Test against Australia in Gqeberha as the hosts consider key team changes.
South Africa have received a major boost ahead of the second Test against Australia, with fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje declared fit and available for selection. The match begins on Sunday, October 18, in Gqeberha.
Rabada has recovered from a right hamstring injury he suffered during a training session in August. He completed his rehabilitation with Cricket South Africa’s medical team, returned to bowling in the nets and cleared his fitness tests.
Rabada’s return could strengthen South Africa’s pace attack as they look to bounce back after losing the first Test in Durban by 214 runs. He has taken 58 wickets against Australia at an average of 21.39, including nine wickets in last year’s World Test Championship final.
Nortje’s availability also gives the team another experienced fast-bowling option. However, captain Temba Bavuma has yet to confirm the final playing XI, with weather conditions on match day expected to influence the team selection.
South Africa Consider Changes to Playing XI
South Africa could make several changes for the second Test. Marques Ackermann is expected to make his Test debut after recently scoring a double century for South Africa A.
Matthew Breetzke could replace Tristan Stubbs in the batting line-up. Breetzke has been in good form and scored a century against Australia during the ODI series in Durban.
Ryan Rickelton is also expected to take over wicketkeeping duties, which could leave Kyle Verreynne out of the playing XI. Meanwhile, Tony de Zorzi remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
South Africa may also reconsider their spin options after Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj struggled in the opening Test. Fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Peterson are among the available alternatives.
The second Test is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. South Africa, the defending champions, will be eager to level the three-match series and avoid falling further behind Australia.
The defeat in Durban was South Africa’s first under Bavuma’s captaincy and only their second loss in their last 10 Tests. The return of Rabada and Nortje offers hope, but the team will need a stronger all-round performance to keep the series alive.
