Simon Harmer credits Proteas appetite for the fight ahead of Australia rematch in Durban

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the Proteas' first Test against Australia in Durban on October 9th due to a hamstring injury. Rabada missed the ODI series win over Australia last month and was in contention to play in the first Test match. However, the Proteas captain Temba Bavuma decided to give him extra recovery time.

Their fellow pacer Lungi Ngidi is also ruled out with a hamstring injury. Veteran Anrich Nortje may now feature in the starting 11 after being away for almost four years. The Proteas have opted for a mix of two spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, in their bowling attack. Test batting coach Ashwell Prince is confident that any combination of bowlers will be able to take 20 wickets.

This Test series is a significant opportunity for South Africa to climb the World Test Championship standings, as they currently sit second with a 75% success rate. The last time South Africa played Test cricket was nearly a year ago, when they defeated India by 408 runs in Guwahati, marking their first series win in India since 2000.