South Africa are likely to suffer a major blow ahead of their three-match Test series against Australia, with premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada ruled out after sustaining a severe Grade 3 tear in his right hamstring.The injury, picked up during Rabada’s winter conditioning programme, is expected to keep him out for up to 10 weeks, ruling him out of the high-profile series that begins in Durban on October 9.
Donald confirms Rabada absence
Former South Africa fast bowler and current Lions bowling coach Allan Donald confirmed that Rabada will miss the entire series, ending hopes of having him available for the domestic season.“He’s going to be out for all the Aussie Tests as well,” Donald was quoted as saying by South African media outlet News24 on Sunday.South Africa are scheduled to face Australia in three Tests, with the second match in Gqeberha from October 18 and the final Test in Cape Town from October 27. The series will be preceded by a three-match ODI series beginning in Durban on September 24.
Proteas face pace-bowling concerns
Rabada’s absence leaves a significant void in the South African bowling attack. Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and youngster Kwena Maphaka are likely to shoulder greater responsibility in his absence. South Africa are also monitoring the fitness of Nandre Burger, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his back. However, there is still a chance that the left-arm pacer could recover in time to feature in the Test series.Meanwhile, Rabada has taken 340 wickets in 73 Tests and played a key role in South Africa’s victory over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, where he finished with match figures of 9-110. He also boasts an impressive record against Australia, having claimed 58 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 21.39.
