Kagiso Rabada is out of South Africa’s ODI series against Australia with a hamstring injury. The fast bowler also faces a race to recover for the three-match Test series.
Cricket South Africa confirmed that Rabada suffered a right hamstring strain. He will miss the three ODIs, which start in Durban on September 24.
CSA has not ruled him out of the Tests. His selection will depend on his recovery. The board will make a decision closer to the series.
“His availability for the three-match Test series against Australia will depend on how he progresses through his rehabilitation,” CSA said.
Rabada has already started his rehabilitation under the care of the CSA medical team. His domestic bowling coach Allan Donald, however, expects a longer recovery.
Donald told South African media that the injury could keep Rabada out for up to 10 weeks.
That timeline puts his Test place in serious doubt. The first Test starts in Durban on October 9. Gqeberha and Cape Town will host the other two matches.
South Africa will miss Rabada badly if he cannot recover in time.
The 31-year-old played a key role when South Africa beat Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s last year. He took nine wickets in that victory.
Rabada also has an excellent record against Australia. He averages 21.39 in 11 Tests against them. His career Test average stands at 22.03.
His absence would therefore remove South Africa’s leading pace threat from a crucial series.
The Proteas first face Australia in three ODIs. The teams then switch to Test cricket less than two weeks later.
South Africa will hope Rabada can return before the longer format begins. For now, his recovery remains the main concern.
