Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Tony de Zorzi Ruled Out of South Africa’s Australia Test Opener
South African batter Tony de Zorzi has a hamstring injury.
He hurt it while playing in an ODI against Australia on September 30.
Because of the injury, he will not be available for South Africa’s first Test against Australia.
That match is scheduled to begin on October 9 in Durban.
South Africa has not announced a replacement for him in its preliminary squad.
Marques Ackerman could make his Test debut and bat at No.
3.
Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs are also possible choices for that spot.
Kagiso Rabada has returned to training, but it is not yet clear whether he will play.
Tony de Zorzi will miss South Africa’s first Test against Australia with a hamstring injury.
He suffered the injury during the third ODI against Australia on September 30.
The series opener is scheduled for October 9–13 at Kingsmead in Durban.
Marques Ackerman, Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs are among the possible options at No. 3.
Kagiso Rabada returned to training after missing the ODI series, but his Test selection is not confirmed.
- Who
- South Africa batter Tony de Zorzi is ruled out; Marques Ackerman, Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs are possible options at No. 3.
- What
- De Zorzi will miss the first Test of South Africa’s three-match series against Australia because of a hamstring injury.
- When
- The first Test is scheduled for October 9–13; De Zorzi injured his hamstring on September 30.
- Where
- Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa.
- Why
- De Zorzi injured his hamstring while playing in the third ODI against Australia.
Possible No. 3 selection
Alternative No. 3 selections
Who could replace De Zorzi at No. 3?
Possible No. 3 selection
Marques Ackerman could make his Test debut after impressing for South Africa A, including scoring a double century in an unofficial Test.
Alternative No. 3 selections
Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs are also in the squad and could be considered; Mulder previously batted at No. 3, while Stubbs played there in the second Test against India.
- Match
- First Test of a three-match South Africa–Australia series
- Scheduled dates
- October 9–13, 2026
- Venue
- Kingsmead, Durban
- Injury
- Hamstring injury sustained during the third ODI against Australia on September 30
- Squad status
- De Zorzi was in South Africa’s preliminary 18-member squad but will not be available for the series opener; no replacement had been decided
- Possible No. 3 options
- Marques Ackerman, Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs
- Kagiso Rabada
- Returned to training and was seen bowling in the nets after missing the ODI series; his selection for the Test was not confirmed