Overview
- South Africa confirmed on Saturday that fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play at St George’s Park, giving the hosts their leading wicket-taker against Australia back for the second Test.
- Both captains said they will wait until the toss to name XIs because rain is forecast for the opening days and the pitch has visible grass that favours seam bowlers.
- Australia expect Matt Renshaw to stay at No. 5 after his match-winning 190 and 82 in Durban, while all‑rounder Cameron Green remains sidelined with an abdominal strain.
- Pat Cummins has left open the option of an all-pace attack with Scott Boland in contention and Nathan Lyon potentially omitted if conditions favour seamers.
- The match, which runs October 18–22 at Gqeberha, carries series and World Test Championship weight because Australia lead 1-0 and a win would leave South Africa needing a victory to keep their campaign alive.