Rabada’s return was confirmed by captain Temba Bavuma following his recuperation from a hamstring injury that prevented him from playing in the opening Test. Bavuma stated that Rabada is prepared to play again, despite the fact that rain is predicted for the first two days, causing both teams to postpone deciding on their starting lineups.
Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia, and Bavuma both stated they would postpone selecting their sides until Sunday because of the forecast of rain for the first two days of the game. Bavuma, however, stated that Rabada was “raring to go” and cited the fast bowler’s great performance against Australia.
With 58 wickets at an average of 21.39 across 11 games, Rabada has an exceptional Test record against Australia. In the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, he helped South Africa defeat Australia by taking nine wickets. In the 2017–18 series, he also took 11 wickets in the corresponding Test as South Africa overcame an early loss in Durban.
Following a lacklustre performance in Durban, Bavuma hinted that hitters Matthew Breetzke and uncapped Marques Ackerman might both play in a rearranged batting lineup as South Africa looks for lengthier batting performances. After a lacklustre showing in the first Test at Kingsmead, South Africa is also anticipated to alter their batting order.
As the Proteas aim to extend innings and strengthen their batting resilience, Bavuma said that uncapped batsman Marques Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke would both be included in a rearranged lineup. The South African skipper admitted that his team’s first-innings performance had proved especially costly in light of the 214-run loss in Durban.
Josh Inglis is almost fit to play after healing from a fractured finger, but Cameron Green is still not ready to return after sustaining an abdominal injury during the ODI series against South Africa last month, according to Cummins.
