Rabada under cloud for Australia Tests with hamstring injury

Australia's shaky top-order may be about to breathe a sigh of relief after South Africa spearhead Kagiso Rabada was revealed to be in doubt for the Test heavyweights' upcoming three-match series.

The Proteas have ruled Rabada out of their three-match ODI series against Australia beginning next month after the star paceman suffered a right hamstring injury during training.

His domestic bowling coach, ex-South Africa quick Allan Donald, has reportedly suggested Rabada's recovery could take up to 10 weeks. That timeline would knock him out of contention for Durban's series opener (beginning October 9) and would have him in a race against time to be fit for the second Test in Gqeberha (from October 18) or the third in Cape Town (October 27).

"Kagiso Rabada is currently progressing through the early stages of his rehabilitation from a right hamstring injury under the close supervision of the Cricket South Africa medical team," Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

"He will miss the three-match One-Day International series against Australia, scheduled from 24–30 September. His availability for the three-match Test series against Australia will depend on how he progresses through his rehabilitation, with a decision on his selection to be made closer to the series."

Rabada's absence would be a major blow for the reigning World Test champions, who beat Australia in last year's final at Lord's where the right-armer took nine wickets for the match.

It maintained his supreme record against the Aussies, against whom he has taken 58 wickets at 21.39 in 11 Tests. Only Jasprit Bumrah (64 wickets at 17.15 against Australia) has been more effective among fast bowlers over the past decade.

Rabada is Test cricket's No.6-ranked bowler, one spot behind Marco Jansen, the left-armer who would have to shoulder significantly more load if his new-ball partner were to miss the series.

Rabada has been a lightning rod for drama during previous contests with Australia.

The overturning of a two-Test ban for making contact with Steve Smith in 2018 was that series' dominant narrative until the Sandpaper controversy erupted. His involvement in last year's WTC final was also contentious having been cleared to play after serving a short suspension for recreational drug use earlier in the year.

Overall, this year's series promises to showcase two of the world's best bowling attacks, leaving the onus on Australia's batters to step up after they failed to pass 300 in three innings in their drawn 1-1 Test series with Bangladesh this month.  

Qantas tour of South Africa 2026

All matches to be broadcast exclusively in Australia on Kayo and Fox Cricket

First ODI: September 24, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Second ODI: September 27, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Third ODI: September 30, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (D/N)

Warm-up match: October 3-4, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

First Test: October 9-13, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Second Test: October 18-22, St George’s Park, Gqeberha

Third Test: October 27-31, Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town