Overview
- Multiple outlets and Lions bowling coach Allan Donald reported on Sunday that scans show a grade‑three tear in Kagiso Rabada’s right hamstring and he faces about nine to ten weeks of recovery.
- Cricket South Africa confirmed Rabada will miss the three ODIs against Australia scheduled for September 24–30 and said any decision on his place in the Test side will be made after monitoring his rehab.
- The injury removes South Africa’s leading Test fast bowler from the early home summer and leaves selectors without a confirmed replacement as they plan for the three Tests starting October 9.
- The Proteas’ pace resources are further stretched because seamer Nandre Burger is recovering from a vertebral stress fracture, so players such as Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch are being considered to step up.
- Beyond the immediate squad changes, Rabada’s absence alters South Africa’s preparation for World Test Championship matches and places pressure on younger bowlers to fill leadership and wicket‑taking roles.