South Africa host Australia who battle more than ‘Sandpapergate’ memories
WTC holders South Africa host Australia, who struggled against Bangladesh, in Tests for first time since 2018 scandal.
South Africa would obviously prefer Kagiso Rabada to be bowling against Australia at Kingsmead on Friday, the first day of a highly anticipated Test series. Due to a hamstring injury, Rabada hasn't played since May. The Proteas are waiting until the very last moment to confirm his availability, as they have eight home Tests between now and January and 10 left in the current World Test Championship cycle.
South Africa has always trusted its entire squad to handle setbacks and perform well. Out of the blue, selections such as Dane Paterson and Simon Harmer have risen to the occasion, helping South Africa win the 2025 WTC final and win series in Pakistan and India respectively. For their upcoming home Test series, the Proteas have called upon Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee, who haven't played a Test since 2023 and 2024 respectively.
They might use two spinners, potentially Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, on a pitch that offered lots of spin in recent ODIs. Australia batter Nic Maddinson, who played three Tests in 2016 and was dropped, has resurfaced after overcoming testicular cancer in 2025. He wasn't initially picked by South Africa, but vice-captain Travis Head criticized selectors for disrespecting first-class cricket by including him.
Cameron Green, an allrounder who was leading the run-scorers in the drawn series against Bangladesh in August, will not participate in the first Test due to an abdominal strain. The remaining Tests are scheduled in Gqeberha, Gqeberha, and Cape Town from October 18-31.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- South Africa trust someone to step up if Rabada can’t face Australia in 1st test winnipegfreepress.com
