While Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not disclosed the exact nature of the injury, they confirmed Rabada will not play for at least the next four-and-a-half weeks. Rabada is also not currently part of the T20I squad that is touring Namibia for a tri-series and three ODIs.

“Kagiso Rabada is currently progressing through the early stages of his rehabilitation from a right hamstring injury under the close supervision of the Cricket South Africa medical team,” CSA told Cricinfo.

“He will miss the three-match One-Day International series against Australia, scheduled from 24-30 September. His availability for the three-match Test series against Australia will depend on how he progresses through his rehabilitation, with a decision on his selection to be made closer to the series.”

CSA’s statement came after South African publication Rapport reported that on Sunday Rabada is likely to miss all three Tests. The publication quoted Allan Donald, revealing Rabada would be “on the sidelines for nine or ten weeks because of a grade-three tear to his right hamstring.” Donald, a former South Africa bowling coach, does not work with the national team but is the bowling coach at the Lions domestic outfit, where Rabada is based. Lions were hopeful of having Rabada’s services for their first four-day match of the season from September 10 but have been told he is not available. Cricinfo also understands that Donald has not had direct communication with CSA over the extent of Rabada’s injury, nor did he confirm that Rabada is ruled out.

Nortje is not centrally contracted, as he has not played a Test since March 2023, but he was in line to take the field for South Africa’s last home series against Pakistan in early 2025 before injury ruled him out. Gerald Coetzee, who is currently playing for South Africa A against Bangladesh A in an unofficial Test series, could also come into contention.