South Africa is set for a Kagiso Rabada boost in the Gqeberha Test after a 214-run defeat in Durban. Captain Temba Bavuma said, "KG looks good," as the team hopes for a strong response. Rabada missed the opener due to a hamstring injury, but he could return on October 18.
South Africa are poised to receive a major boost with Kagiso Rabada closing in on a return for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha after missing the series opener in Durban due to a hamstring injury. The Proteas will hope the fast bowler's availability can help them bounce back after suffering a 214-run defeat at Kingsmead.
Captain Temba Bavuma offered an encouraging update on Rabada's recovery, suggesting his absence from the first Test was a precautionary decision rather than a setback in his rehabilitation. The second Test begins on October 18 at St George's Park, with South Africa needing a strong response to level the series.
"'KG' looks good. I think Super Sport (TV) kept showing him on the big screen bowling. He's as bubbly as ever within the changing room," Bavuma said.
"His non-selection was more from a precautionary point of view given the extra couple of days. So he's got the extra couple of days. We'll see how he continues to improve. But KG? KG is very good," Bavuma added.
SOUTH AFRICA MISSED RABADA IN DURBAN
Rabada's absence was keenly felt as Australia recovered from 124 for 6 to post 390 in their first innings, with Matt Renshaw scoring a career-best 190 to put the visitors in control.
Josh Hazlewood then delivered a match-winning performance, taking six wickets for 49 runs in the second innings as Australia bowled South Africa out for 206 while chasing a target of 421. The visitors sealed a commanding victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Rabada's potential return would give South Africa a more potent pace attack alongside Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje. However, the hosts must also address their batting shortcomings. Aiden Markram's second-innings 75 was the only half-century by a South African batter in the match, while several others struggled to build substantial partnerships.
Rabada has not played competitive cricket since featuring for Gujarat Titans in the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 31. If declared fit, Rabada could return to the playing XI for the Gqeberha Test, potentially at the expense of Anrich Nortje, who made his long-awaited return to Test cricket in Durban.
South Africa will hope their premier fast bowler can provide the cutting edge needed to challenge Australia's formidable batting line-up and keep their hopes of winning the series alive.