Latest update on Kagiso Rabada’s fitness, decision will be taken till the last moment before Durban Test

The three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia is about to begin, but the biggest question before the host team is regarding its star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. Rabada practiced with the team in Durban on 7 October, which has increased hopes of his comeback. However, the final decision regarding his playing in the first Test has still not been taken. The first Test between the two teams is to be played in Durban from 9 October. It is believed that South Africa will give full opportunity to Rabada to prove his fitness till the start of the match. The 31-year-old fast bowler has been away from cricket since suffering a hamstring injury during training in August.

Rabada’s recovery moving in good direction

Rabada last played for Gujarat Titans in the IPL in late May. Since then he has not been able to play cricket at any level. In such a situation, the team management does not want to take any risk regarding his match fitness before the Test series against Australia. South African coach Shukri Conrad had said last month that Rabada’s recovery was progressing in a good direction. He was also seen bowling in the nets during training in Durban on Wednesday. However, the team’s experienced spinner Simon Harmer made it clear that the decision on Rabada’s play will be taken closer to the start of the Test.

Harmer said everyone wanted him to play. The spectators, us in the dressing room and also the Australian players. He doesn’t really know how fit he is at the moment. He further said that he is confident that the decision will be taken as close to the match as possible. He has proven himself to be a world class player every season and having him in the team will definitely strengthen our team.

Enrique Norkhia may return

If Rabada is rested in the Durban Test, it could open the way for Enrique Norkhia to return to Test cricket after a long gap. Norkhia has not played a Test match for more than three years. South Africa’s 18-man squad also has fast bowling options like Marco Janson, Corbin Bosch and Gerald Coetzee.

After the Test series against Australia, South Africa has to play two Tests against Bangladesh in November and three matches against England in December at home. The team aims to defend the World Test Championship title. South Africa won the WTC title for the first time by defeating Australia at Lord’s last year.

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