SA vs AUS 1st Test: South Africa Playing XI Announced; Kagiso Rabada Out

By Kaif Ansari - Thursday, Oct 08, 2026
Last Updated on Oct 08, 2026 05:21 PM

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SA vs AUS 1st Test: The first match of the thrilling three-Test series between South Africa and Australia is scheduled to begin in Durban on October 9. Just a day before this major clash on Thursday, the South African team announced its final playing XI. Both teams have been training hard and have finalized their preparations ahead of the match.

However, a decision regarding the host team's playing XI has taken cricket fans by surprise. The team's star and experienced fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, has not been included in the squad for the first Test match.

Why is Kagiso Rabada Out of the South Africa Playing 11?

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Kagiso Rabada, who has claimed 340 wickets in 73 Test matches, has recently recovered from a hamstring injury. While there were hopes he would take the field against Australia following his recovery, the team management decided not to rush him back into action.

Captain Temba Bavuma clarified the reason during a press conference held a day before the match. Bavuma stated:

"The decision was made to allow Kagiso Rabada a little more time to reach 100 percent match fitness. However, leaving a world-class bowler like Rabada out of the playing XI was certainly not an easy decision."

Also Read: Why Did Dhananjaya de Silva Resign as Test Captain? Real Reason Explained

Anrich Nortje Returns to Test Cricket After 3.5 Years

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In Rabada's absence, South Africa's fiery fast bowler Anrich Nortje has made his return to the team. Nortje has been included in the playing XI in place of Rabada.

It is worth noting that Nortje will be playing a Test match after nearly three and a half years. He played his last Test against the West Indies in March 2023, after which he remained sidelined from Test and first-class cricket due to injury and other reasons. His blistering pace could pose a major challenge for the Australian batters.

South Africa Playing XI vs Australia 1st Test

South Africa will take the field with a combination comprising two spinners (Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer), two frontline fast bowlers (Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje), and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder: