Rabada returns as under-pressure South Africa seek to square Test series against Australia

Rabada boost for under-pressure South Africa

Kagiso Rabada's fitness has been confirmed ahead of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park in Gqeberha, a timely lift for a South African side that trails 1-0 in the series after a 214-run defeat at Kingsmead.

Rabada missed the first Test with a hamstring injury, and South Africa's absence of their premier paceman was a significant factor in the loss. His return, confirmed on Saturday, is expected to see him take his place in the starting XI, which had not been announced at the time of writing.

The Kingsmead match was dominated by Australia's Matt Renshaw, who scored 190 and 82. Aiden Markram's 75 in the second innings was the only other half-century of the match, underlining how much South Africa's batting relied on fine margins.

Weather could reshape the team

The pitch at St George's Park is traditionally one of South Africa's best grounds for spinners, but rain is forecast, with a 55% chance on Sunday rising to 80% on Monday. That has complicated team selection, as the usual debate over a second spinner may be irrelevant if little play is possible.

Bavuma declined to name his team at his captain's press conference on Saturday. Ryan Rickelton is expected to move from opening to No. 7, with Matthew Breetzke likely to open, while Marques Ackerman looks set to make his debut. Simon Harmer is expected to make way for Rabada, and Kyle Verreynne has been dropped.

A possible South African XI is: Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (capt), Marques Ackerman, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.

Australia may stick with winning side

Cameron Green is still out with an abdominal problem, so the visitors could keep the team that won at Kingsmead. A possible Australian XI is: Nic Maddinson, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

What they said

"The bowlers feed massively off him. He leads the attack in everything that he does and brings an extra level of confidence to the unit. There's a lot of belief in KG." — Temba Bavuma on the highly anticipated return of Kagiso Rabada.

"I know KG a little bit and it doesn't take much to get himself up for the contest. He's a class player. No doubt he'll be a challenge." — Pat Cummins on South Africa's ace.

The Test runs from October 18 to 22, 2026, starting at 10am local time (8am GMT, 1.30pm IST). South Africa, who won the WTC final at Lord's last July, know they must turn the corner again to keep their series alive.