Anrich Nortje returns as South Africa name XI for first Australia Test

South Africa have confirmed their playing XI for the opening Test against Australia, which gets under way on October 9, 2026 at Kingsmead, Durban. The headline selection is the return of fast bowler Anrich Nortje to Test cricket for the first time since a match against the West Indies in February 2023.

Kagiso Rabada is absent from the side as he continues his recovery from a right hamstring injury sustained in August 2026. The side carries a balanced combination of pace and spin, with Jansen and Nortje forming the seam partnership and Harmer and Maharaj providing the spin options.

The fixture carries additional weight given that South Africa arrive as the reigning ICC World Test Championship holders, having defeated Australia by five wickets in the 2025 final at Lord’s. The two sides therefore meet with a significant recent history between them.

How long has Nortje been away from Test cricket?

Nortje’s last Test appearance came against the West Indies on February 28, 2023, which means he has been absent from the longest format for more than three years before this selection. His return gives the Proteas a high-quality additional pace option at a venue that has historically offered meaningful assistance to fast bowlers.

The extended gap in Nortje’s Test career has been shaped by injury and fitness management. His availability for the full series against Australia will be watched closely, given the workload demands of Test cricket after such a prolonged absence from the format.

Why is Rabada missing and when could he return?

Rabada sustained a right hamstring injury in August 2026 and has not featured in competitive cricket since representing Gujarat Titans in the IPL at the end of May 2026. The injury ruled him out of contention for the opening Test in Durban, leaving a notable gap in South Africa’s first-choice pace attack.

South Africa have not confirmed a specific return date for Rabada, and his involvement in the remainder of the series against Australia will depend entirely on how his recovery progresses. No match target or timeline has been set out publicly. His absence is significant, though the inclusion of Nortje adds experienced pace cover for this first Test at Kingsmead.

SA Playing XI for First Test vs AUS:

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