Rabada Fitness Test Delayed
South Africa Delays Fitness Call on Fast Bowler Kagiso Rabada Ahead of Australia Test
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Key Points
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South Africa are already without fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka and Ottniel Baartman, adding to the significance of Rabada’s availability.
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Coach Shukri Conrad had cautioned that South Africa would not take a risk on Rabada or make the call out of desperation, despite his importance as the team’s leading quick.
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Rabada, 31, has taken 340 Test wickets in 73 matches at an average of 22.
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Australia prepared for the series with a warm-up match against an Invitational XI in Potchefstroom.
South Africa will hold off on deciding whether fast bowler Kagiso Rabada can play in Friday's first Test against Australia until the last possible moment. The 31-year-old returned to bowling in an intra-squad match after a hamstring injury, but faces uncertainty over his fitness for Test cricket after nearly a year away from red-ball action Cricket Addictor.
Coach Shukri Conrad has vowed not to rush Rabada back out of desperation, despite losing fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, and Ottniel Baartman to injury. South Africa kept 17 players in camp to ensure bowling depth and flexibility in their attack strategy Ian's Live.
Rabada's Slow Return After Hamstring Setback
Rabada bowled in a two-day intra-squad warmup, a positive sign for his comeback. However, he has played almost no competitive cricket recently and hasn't featured in a Test match since late 2023. These absences raise serious questions about whether his body can handle the demands of a five-day Test match Rediff.
Batting coach Ashwell Prince confirmed Rabada will continue training up to game day. The medical team needs more evidence before green-lighting him for such a physically demanding format The Hindu Sportstar.
South Africa's Depleted Fast Bowling Stocks
The injury crisis has hit South Africa's pace attack hard. Beyond Rabada, the team is without Ngidi, Maphaka, and Baartman — a loss that makes Rabada's availability crucial. At 31 years old with 340 Test wickets across 73 matches at an average of 22, he remains one of South Africa's most important bowlers Cricket Addictor.
The 17-player group gives South Africa flexibility to pivot between a seam-heavy attack or a two-spinner setup if Rabada doesn't make it. This contingency planning shows the team won't leave selection to chance The Hindu Sportstar.
Australia Readies for Durban Opener With Warm-Up Win
Meanwhile, Australia completed their Test series preparation with a warm-up match against an Invitational XI in Potchefstroom. The visitors arrive in Durban without the injury concerns plaguing South Africa's squad Rediff.
Conrad's Cautious Approach Signals No Desperate Gambles
Coach Conrad has made clear that South Africa will not rush Rabada back simply because they need him. The team will take a measured approach to his fitness, prioritizing long-term team health over short-term gap-filling Ian's Live.
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