South Africa captain Temba Bavuma says fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is likely to return for the second Test against Australia on Sunday after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Rabada has not played since featuring for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League in May and missed the opening Test in Durban as a precaution while recovering from the injury sustained in training.
The 31-year-old is making progress towards a competitive return, with Bavuma encouraged by the paceman’s condition ahead of the second match in Gqeberha.
“KG (Rabada) looks good,” Bavuma said after South Africa’s 214-run defeat in the first Test.
“I think SuperSport kept showing him on the big screen bowling during breaks in play.
“He’s bubbly as ever within the changing room. And his non-selection was more from a precautionary point of view to give him the extra couple of days.
“So now he’s got the extra couple of days. We’ll see how he continues to improve. But KG is very good.”
Rabada’s return could put fellow fast bowler Anrich Nortje under pressure to make way, despite his successful comeback to Test cricket in Durban.
South Africa may also consider changes after several batters struggled in the opening match. Ryan Rickelton failed to reach double figures in either innings, while Tristan Stubbs and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne also endured difficult outings.
Fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are among the alternatives available to the hosts. Uncapped batter Marques Ackermann and bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy, who did not feature in the first Test, could also come into contention.
However, Bavuma indicated that wholesale changes were unlikely, insisting the team retained confidence in the players who took the field in Durban.
“The guys that you saw who took the field are guys that we have full confidence in,” he said.
“Going forward, there’s going to be conversations that need to happen. Guys understand that’s just how professional, high-level sport goes. If you’re not delivering the goods and if there is someone else who’s waiting in the wings, they’ll get that opportunity.”
Bavuma admitted the defeat had been disappointing but said the team needed to address its shortcomings before the series moved to Gqeberha.
“It’s not the way you want to start a series, any kind of series, let alone just against a top outfit like Australia,” he said.
“The emotions are obviously still a little bit high. You probably want that to settle before you get into the conversations but there are obvious things that we could definitely improve on. No one is happy in that change-room, looking at the result that has played out.”
South Africa squad for first Test: Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
Series Schedule:
First Test: October 9-13, Durban (Australia won by 214 runs)
Second Test: October 18-22, Gqeberha
Third Test: October 27-31, Cape Town
