Johannesburg, August 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
South Africa’s premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is set to miss the team’s upcoming home Test series against Australia after suffering a Grade 3 tear in his right hamstring.
Rabada, 31, is expected to remain sidelined for up to two months after the injury disrupted his winter conditioning programme. His absence is a major setback for the Proteas ahead of the three-match series.
Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald, who serves as bowling coach of Rabada’s domestic team Lions, said the medical assessment had effectively ruled the pacer out of the Australia Tests. Rabada had initially hoped to be available for Lions’ opening four-day domestic match against Boland, beginning September 10.
“He’s going to be out for all the Aussie Tests as well,” Donald was quoted as saying by News24.
South Africa will host Australia in a three-Test series beginning in Durban on October 9. The second Test will be played in Gqeberha from October 18, while the final match is scheduled for Cape Town from October 27.
The Test series will be preceded by three ODIs, beginning in Durban on September 24.
Rabada’s absence leaves a significant gap in the South African attack. He has claimed 340 wickets in 73 Tests and played a decisive role in South Africa’s victory over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, returning match figures of 9-110.
The right-arm pacer has also enjoyed considerable success against Australia, taking 58 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 21.39.
South Africa are also monitoring fast bowler Nandre Burger, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his back.
The Proteas, however, have several options in reserve. Gerald Coetzee recently returned match figures of 4-60 for South Africa A against Bangladesh A, while young pacers Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch remain in contention for Test selection.
South Africa currently occupy second place in the ongoing World Test Championship standings, behind Australia.
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