{
  "id": 10604438,
  "title": "Proteas want to be ‘smart’ about Kagiso Rabada’s return ahead of Australia Tests",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/proteas-want-to-be-smart-about-kagiso-rabadas-return-ahead-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas/2026-09-29-proteas-want-to-be-smart-about-kagiso-rabadas-return-ahead-of-australia-tests/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Coach Shukri Conrad has stated that he will be patient in determining the optimal time for fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to return from his hamstring injury before the first Test against Australia in South Africa. Conrad, who recently included Rabada in an 18-man preliminary squad, emphasized his willingness to give Rabada as much time as possible to regain full fitness. He acknowledged that there are individuals with advanced knowledge in science and data who will be consulted in making this decision. Conrad stressed that the team does not want to rush Rabada, as they aim to be smart about his return, considering his well-being and ability to match the intensity required in a Test match. The current fast-bowling situation, with four pacers dealing with hamstring injuries, has been described as a crisis by Conrad, who expressed his commitment to making the right decisions and preventing a recurrence of such issues in the future.",
  "summary": "Proteas coach Shukri Conrad again stressed that he will be giving his premier spearhead Kagiso Rabada as much time as \" humanly possible\" to regain full fitness.",
  "key_points": [
    "Coach Shukri Conrad will be patient in deciding Rabada's return.",
    "Advanced science and data consulted in decision-making.",
    "Team aims to be smart about Rabada's return to prevent crisis."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Proteas set to ring the changes for final ODI against Australia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/proteas-set-to-ring-the-changes-for-final-odi-against-australia",
        "published": "2026-09-29T05:42:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}