The Proteas are poised for a welcome boost ahead of the second Test against Australia, which gets underway at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday morning, with experienced fast bowler Kagiso Rabada available for selection following an injury lay-off.

Kagiso Rabada’s last Test was in October 2025 against Pakistan in Lahore. Photo: Cricinfo

The 31-year-old Rabada, a veteran of 73 Tests and South Africa’s fourth-highest all-time wicket-taker in the longest format, has been sidelined by a hamstring injury in recent weeks. His potential return would be a significant boost for a Proteas side desperate to bounce back after suffering a heavy 214-run defeat in the opening Test at Kingsmead in Durban.

Rabada missed South Africa’s recent tour of Namibia, the One-Day International series against Australia and the first Test. Even had he been fully fit, his involvement in the Namibia tour would have been unlikely, given the demands of the international schedule.

Although the Proteas’ final playing XI will only be confirmed at the toss, Rabada could come straight back into the starting line-up at the expense of Anrich Nortjé, should the team management opt to bring the experienced seamer back into the attack.

There is also a decision to be made regarding the balance of the bowling unit, with Eastern Cape-born spinner Simon Harmer potentially facing the prospect of missing out if South Africa opts for a pace-heavy attack.

With the weather threatening to play a role in the Friendly City, captain Temba Bavuma indicated the Proteas would take their time before settling on their final combination.

Bavuma, who has also recently returned to action himself, confirmed Rabada has been cleared by the team’s medical staff and is ready to make his comeback.

“He’s been released by the fitness team and is available for selection,” said Bavuma. “He’ll obviously be a big addition and a boost to the team on the field. As I said last week, he’s ready to go.”

The decision on whether to field two specialist spinners could prove crucial, particularly as South Africa look to find the right balance between their batting depth and bowling resources.

“Whether we go with two spinners is something we’re considering. I think that will have quite an impact on whether we go with an extra batter or an extra all-rounder,” Bavuma added.

Anrich Nortjé. Photo: Cricinfo

Beyond the selection debate, the Proteas captain knows his side will need to show greater consistency and a more ruthless approach with the bat if they are to challenge an Australian team brimming with confidence after its commanding victory in Durban.

South Africa showed glimpses of what they are capable of in the opening Test, but they were unable to sustain their efforts for long enough to put the visitors under sustained pressure. Bavuma believes the key will be making the most of promising moments and turning them into substantial contributions.

“It’s about being more ruthless in how we execute, and, more importantly, taking the opportunities when they come to do something big for the team.” 

Simon Harmer. Photo: Cricinfo

“We take the positive moments we had in our batting and feed off the confidence of Aiden Markram and the way he went about his business. It’s about extending our batting innings.”

Markram’s contribution provides the Proteas with something to build on, but the challenge will be for the rest of the batting line-up to follow suit and put together the kind of substantial partnerships needed to compete with Australia.

With Rabada potentially returning to spearhead the attack and the batting unit under pressure to deliver a stronger performance, South Africa face a pivotal test in Gqeberha. A victory would level the series and restore some momentum, while another defeat would leave the hosts with plenty of questions to answer.

Play at St George’s Park is scheduled to get underway on Sunday at 10:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg