South Africa announced its playing XI for the first Test against Australia at Durban on Tuesday. Kagiso Rabada will not take part due to a hamstring injury. Anrich Nortje and David Bedingham return to the side. Temba Bavuma will lead the team, which features two spinners and two fast bowlers.

South Africa playing XI for first Australia Test: No Rabada; Nortje, Bedingham return left Kagiso Rabada, who missed the ODI series with a hamstring injury, will not take part in the first Test. Reuters Reuters https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/whuw7w/article71559381.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-10-08T105047Z_1060915365_RC2L1FAUUW9Y_RTRMADP_3_CRICKET-TEST-ZAF-AUS.JPG ANDREW BOYERS FILE PHOTO: Cricket - 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final - South Africa v Australia - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - June 13, 2025 South Africa's Kagiso Rabada reacts Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo Chennai

Temba Bavuma will lead the side which features two spinners and two fast bowlers, an early indication the wicket at Durban could assist spinners.

South Africa announced its playing XI for the first Test against Australia at Durban on Tuesday. Speedster Kagiso Rabada, who missed the ODI series with a hamstring injury, will not take part in the first Test.

In his place, the Proteas have named Anrich Nortje, who will be making a comeback to the red-ball team after three years. Nortje last played a Test for South Africa against West Indies in February 2023.

David Bedingham, who will slot in at three, will also be making a comeback to the side. The 32-year-old has not played a match in the current WTC 2025-27 cycle, and last played a game against Zimbabwe in July 2025.

Temba Bavuma will lead the side, while Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj are the spinners. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton are the openers, while Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, Wian Mulder and Kyle Verreynne will make up the middle-order.

Marco Jansen will partner Nortje in the pace-bowling department.

South Africa playing XI for first Australia Test Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje South Africa playing XI for first Australia Test Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje