Kagiso Rabada has been included in South Africa’s preliminary 18-man Test squad for the upcoming series against Australia, giving the Proteas a major boost as preparations shift to red-ball cricket.
Rabada is continuing his recovery from a right hamstring injury, with his availability for the opening Test still dependent on his progress over the next few weeks.
The first Test is scheduled for 9-13 October at Kingsmead in Durban, with South Africa set to host Australia in a three-match series.
Final selection will depend on Rabada’s fitness
South Africa’s selectors have deliberately named an extended squad to provide greater flexibility ahead of the opening Test.
Head coach Shukri Conrad said the larger bowling group would allow the team to assess different combinations before deciding on the final 15 players.
“Having a larger bowling group gives us the flexibility to cover all bases,” Conrad said.
He added that the Proteas wanted to give Rabada every opportunity to prove his match readiness, with a planned two-day warm-up fixture expected to provide a clearer indication of his fitness.
Ackerman earns first Test call-up
The squad contains one uncapped player, with Dolphins batter Marques Ackerman receiving his maiden Test call-up after a remarkable run of form for South Africa A.
The 30-year-old has scored more than 1,000 runs across his last 10 red-ball appearances for SA A at an average of 82.92.
His recent record includes four centuries and a career-best 256 against Bangladesh A in August.
Ackerman has also impressed as captain of the South Africa A side, strengthening his case for an opportunity at international level.
Three injured seamers remain unavailable
South Africa will continue to monitor their fast-bowling resources, with Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi not considered for selection as they recover from hamstring injuries.
Their absences have contributed to the decision to name an extended bowling group for the Australia series.
Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson, meanwhile, return to the Test setup and provide additional options for Conrad.
Proteas keep faith with established batting group
Conrad has largely retained the batting core that has featured for South Africa in recent Test cricket.
The inclusion of Ackerman is the notable change, with the coach praising both his performances and leadership for SA A.
“It’s great to have Marques in the squad,” Conrad said, highlighting the batter’s contribution as captain and his performances with the bat.
The preliminary squad will assemble in Durban on 1 October, giving the players several days to train before the Test series begins.
Two-day match will help shape final team
The Proteas will use the extended preparation period to assess both their players and the conditions at Kingsmead.
The programme includes training sessions, a two-day intra-squad match and scenario-based preparation. These activities will help the selectors settle on the final 15-player group for the opening Test.
Conrad said the additional preparation would provide an opportunity to evaluate the squad before making the final selection.
South Africa face Australia at three venues
The opening Test will be played at Kingsmead in Durban from 9-13 October, beginning at 09:30.
The teams will then move to St George’s Park in Gqeberha for the second Test from 18-22 October, with play scheduled to start at 10:00.
The series concludes at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, where the third Test will take place from 27-31 October, starting at 10:30.
South Africa enter the Test series after completing an ODI series victory over Australia, but the red-ball contest presents a different challenge for Conrad’s side.
Preliminary Proteas squad
The 18-player squad comprises Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.
