Rabada’s comeback could be the spark South Africa needs to overturn a 214‑run loss to Australia in Durban. The fast‑bowling ace, who missed the first Test with a hamstring knock‑back, has trained hard and is ready to hit the crease at St George’s Park on Sunday.
The numbers speak louder than any promise: 58 wickets in 11 Tests against the Aussies, an average of 21.39, nine of which came in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s. Bavuma said the pacer’s aura feeds the entire bowling lineup, turning a good day into a great one.
But it’s not just the paceman. Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has pulled Renshaw back to number five after a man‑of‑the‑match 190 and 82 in Durban, showing the side’s flexibility. Cummins praised the opener’s willingness to slot into a role that suits the team’s needs.
The South Africans will also tweak their batting. Matthew Breetzke and uncapped Marques Ackerman will be added to the XI, a move that could help them spend more time at the crease after a weak first‑innings display in Durban.
With rain looming for the first two days, both captains agreed to lock in the playing XIs on Sunday, ensuring the teams can focus on strategy rather than weather.
What comes next? The Test will decide whether South Africa can reverse their fortunes and set a tone for the final encounter of the series.