South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, has kept the door open for Kagiso Rabada to play in the first Test against Australia on October 9 in Durban, despite the fast bowler suffering a Grade 3 right hamstring strain on August 21, 2026, during a training camp.
Shukri Conrad addressed Rabada’s fitness on September 23, 2026, stating that while he expects the pacemaker would be available at some point during the series, the team’s medical experts will make the final decision.
Shukri Conrad also discussed Rabada’s personal motivation for facing Australia, a team against which he has an excellent record in Test cricket.
Why is Rabada’s readiness for the first Test uncertain?
Rabada injured his right hamstring on August 21, 2026, during a South Africa training camp. Cricket South Africa initially assessed his recuperation time at four to five weeks from that date, putting him in contention for the first half of the Test series.
However, medical tests later proved that the damage was a Grade 3 tear, which is defined as a complete or near-total rupture, and the recuperation time was prolonged to up to 10 weeks. That new estimate would put his return date close to or after the start of the three-Test series, which is set for October 9 in Durban, October 18 in Gqeberha, and October 27 in Cape Town.
Rabada was formally ruled out of South Africa’s three-match ODI series against Australia, which will take place from September 24 to 30, 2026. His availability for the Test series is still dependant on how his rehabilitation improves. Lions bowling coach Allan Donald had previously suggested that Rabada will miss all three Tests against Australia, which appears to contradict Conrad’s more upbeat prognosis on September 23.
What is Rabada’s Test record versus Australia?
Rabada’s Test record against Australia demonstrates why Shukri Conrad and South Africa want him to be available for this series. The right-arm bowler has 58 wickets in 11 Tests against Australia, at an average of 21.39, demonstrating his constant effectiveness against this specific opposition. His most recent standout performance against a high-profile opponent was in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, where he took nine wickets to assist South Africa win the trophy.
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Shukri Conrad comments on September 23 indicate that South Africa had not given up hope of having its star fast bowler available for at least part of the series, however no official Cricket South Africa statement confirming an updated medical status had been made as of September 24, 2026.
