South Africa are all but set to be without the leader of the bowling attack, Kagiso Rabada, for the entire home Test series against Australia after he suffered a serious hamstring injury.
The speedster is facing a recovery period of up to 10 weeks after sustaining a grade-three tear in his right hamstring, Lions bowling coach Allan Donald recently revealed. The extent of the injury had not previously been made public after Cricket South Africa confirmed that the paceman’s training programme had been interrupted by a hamstring problem.
The setback is particularly significant for the Proteas, given Rabada’s importance to their Test attack. South Africa are scheduled to host Australia in a three-match series beginning in Durban on October 9, followed by Tests in Gqeberha from October 18 and Cape Town from October 27.
Donald confirmed that the injury is expected to rule Rabada out of the series. “He’s going to be out for all the Aussie Tests as well,” News24 quoted him as saying.
Rabada had been hoping to return in time to feature for the Lions against Boland in their opening four-day fixture on September 10. However, medical evaluations have reportedly shown that his rehabilitation will take considerably longer.
The 31-year-old has established himself as one of South Africa’s most prolific Test bowlers, taking 340 wickets in 73 matches. His record against Australia makes his potential absence even more concerning.
Rabada’s record against Australia
Rabada was instrumental in South Africa’s most recent Test meeting with Australia, producing match figures of 9 for 110 in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s. Overall, he has claimed 58 wickets in 11 Tests against the Australians at an impressive average of 21.39.
Earlier, Proteas bowling coach Piet Botha said the team has enough resources to withstand injuries. Gerald Coetzee is among the players who could come into contention after recently returning impressive match figures of 4 for 60 for South Africa A against Bangladesh A.
There is, however, another fitness concern within the pace group. Nandre Burger continues to recover from a stress fracture in his back, adding to the uncertainty surrounding South Africa’s fast-bowling combination.
Australia will first face South Africa in a three-match ODI series, beginning at Kingsmead on September 24. The Proteas are yet to announce their squads for both series.
The Pat Cummins-led side are currently at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings while South Africa are second.