LIVE | Proteas vs Australia, First Test – Day 1 at Kingsmead

Anrich Nortje is set to make his long-awaited return to Test cricket as South Africa prepare to face Australia at Kingsmead in Durban, with the Proteas forced to begin their World Test Championship campaign without injured pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada.

Captain Temba Bavuma confirmed that Rabada needs more time to recover from a hamstring injury, leaving South Africa without one of their most influential bowlers for Friday’s series opener.

Rabada claimed nine wickets in South Africa’s World Test Championship final victory over Australia at Lord’s last year, underlining the scale of his absence.

Nortje, meanwhile, will play his first Test since 2023, bringing his trademark express pace back into the Proteas attack.

The match is due to start at 09:30.

Nortje handed opportunity after injury struggles

Nortje’s return marks an important milestone after a prolonged battle with injuries, including back stress fractures that disrupted his international career.

The 32-year-old has worked towards regaining his fitness and place in the Test side, with recent appearances in the European T20 Premier League providing valuable match practice.

Bavuma was encouraged by the pace Nortje generated during South Africa’s preparations, despite his limited recent exposure to red-ball cricket.

However, throwing the fast bowler straight into a high-pressure Test against Australia presents a calculated risk. South Africa will need Nortje to deliver sustained spells without suffering another injury setback.

Proteas turn to spin at Kingsmead

South Africa have selected two specialist spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, suggesting they expect the Kingsmead surface to offer assistance to the slower bowlers.

The decision places additional responsibility on Nortje and left-arm quick Marco Jansen to provide the team’s main pace threat, with seam-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder offering further support.

With only three specialist seam options in the starting XI, another injury could leave Bavuma with limited alternatives.

The twin-spin approach will therefore be an important tactical element as South Africa attempt to contain Australia’s formidable batting line-up.

Australia delay team selection

Australia captain Pat Cummins has left the door open to playing two specialist spinners, with Nathan Lyon potentially joined by left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.

Cummins confirmed that the final team would be announced on Friday morning.

The Australian captain also acknowledged the importance of the contest between two leading Test nations, while highlighting the need for his team to improve their consistency during demanding periods of matches.

South Africa’s confirmed XI

South Africa will line up with Bavuma as captain, supported by Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Mulder, wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, Jansen, Harmer, Maharaj and Nortje.

Australia’s final XI is expected to be announced on Friday morning.

Teams

South Africa

Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wkt), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje