Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Rabada Out Of ODIs, Doubtful For Australia Tests
Kagiso Rabada is one of South Africa’s best fast bowlers.
He hurt the back of his right leg, called his hamstring, quite badly.
The injury is a Grade 3 tear.
Doctors expect him to be unable to play for about nine or ten weeks.
This means he will miss South Africa’s one-day matches against Australia.
One report says he will also miss all three Tests.
However, Cricket South Africa says it will decide about the Tests after watching his recovery.
The Test matches are planned for Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town.
South Africa may need other bowlers if Rabada cannot return in time.
Kagiso Rabada has suffered a Grade 3 tear to his right hamstring and is expected to miss nine to 10 weeks.
He has been ruled out of South Africa’s three-match ODI series against Australia from September 24 to 30.
A report from Allan Donald says Rabada is ruled out of the three-Test series, while Cricket South Africa says his Test availability remains undecided.
The Tests are scheduled for Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town from October 9 to 31.
Rabada’s absence removes a leading bowler from South Africa’s attack, while Nandre Burger’s recovery and other bowlers’ form may influence selection.
- Who
- Kagiso Rabada, South Africa and Australia are central to the story; Cricket South Africa is monitoring Rabada’s recovery.
- What
- Rabada has a Grade 3 right-hamstring tear and will miss the ODI series; his availability for the Test series is disputed between the reports.
- When
- The injury was reported on August 30, 2026; the ODIs are scheduled for September 24, 27 and 30, and the Tests for October 9, 18 and 27.
- Where
- The matches will be played in South Africa: Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom for the ODIs, followed by Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town for the Tests.
- Why
- Rabada injured his hamstring during his winter conditioning programme.
Reported Test Absence
Selection Still Undecided
Rabada’s Test availability
Reported Test Absence
Allan Donald was quoted as saying the medical assessment had ruled Rabada out of the Australia Tests.
Selection Still Undecided
A Cricket South Africa official said Rabada’s Test availability depends on his rehabilitation and that a selection decision will be made closer to the series.
Expected impact
Reported Test Absence
His absence would leave a major void in South Africa’s bowling attack, particularly because he has taken 58 wickets in 11 Tests against Australia.
Selection Still Undecided
South Africa can assess alternatives, including Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch, as Rabada’s recovery progresses.
- Injury
- Grade 3 tear to Rabada’s right hamstring
- Expected recovery
- Approximately nine to 10 weeks
- ODI status
- Ruled out of South Africa’s three-match ODI series against Australia
- Test status
- One report says he is ruled out; Cricket South Africa says selection will depend on rehabilitation
- ODI schedule
- September 24 in Durban, September 27 in Johannesburg and September 30 in Potchefstroom
- Test schedule
- October 9-13 in Durban, October 18-22 in Gqeberha and October 27-31 in Cape Town
- Test record
- 340 wickets in 73 Tests
