South Africa has named a preliminary squad for their upcoming three-Test series against Australia, starting October 9. Kagiso Rabada, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during winter training, has been included in the squad. His availability for the opening match will be assessed during an intra-squad game next week. The squad features a strong pace-bowling lineup with seven fast bowlers.
Rabada is not the only player recovering from a hamstring injury; Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, and Kwena Maphaka have been left out of the squad due to similar issues. Anrich Nortje, who is no longer centrally contracted to Cricket South Africa, has been included in the extended squad and may make his first Test appearance since March 2023. Gerald Coetzee, who returned to international cricket from injury in the first ODI against Australia last week, has also been named in the squad.
The squad includes several experienced players, such as Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Dane Paterson, who was part of South Africa's squad for the World Test Championship final. The only uncapped player in the squad is top-order batter Marques Ackerman, who has scored over 1000 runs for South Africa A and will compete for a top-three place with Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, and Mulder.
Recent form may give Ackerman an edge over his competitors, but the final decision will depend on the team's strategy. South Africa has also named three spinners in Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy, all of whom featured during the previous World Test Championship cycle. The early-season conditions, with all three Tests scheduled at coastal venues, are expected to offer some assistance to spin.
The South African Test squad will assemble in Durban on October 1. The team is led by captain Temba Bavuma and includes a mix of experienced and young players. The squad comprises 18 players, including wicket-keepers Kyle Verreynne and Ryan Rickelton.
The inclusion of Rabada and other experienced players is expected to strengthen the South African team. However, the team's performance will depend on various factors, including the players' form and fitness. The series against Australia will be a significant challenge for South Africa.
The preliminary squad for the Australia Tests includes Temba Bavuma, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.
Key points
- Kagiso Rabada included in South Africa's preliminary squad for Australia Tests
- Rabada's availability for the opening match to be assessed during an intra-squad game
- South Africa names three spinners in Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy
