Kagiso Rabada sustained a right hamstring injury during South Africa training in mid-August 2026 and was subsequently ruled out of the September ODI series against Australia. The fast bowler began his rehabilitation programme immediately following the injury, with medical staff overseeing his recovery trajectory.
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has provided an encouraging assessment of Rabada’s progress as the Test series approaches in October. Speaking on September 21, Conrad indicated that early signs from the medical team were positive and that a final clearance decision would come within days.
“It’s going quite nicely, the rehab and the programs that he’s on. I’d be very surprised if we didn’t see him during the Test series,” Conrad was quoted as saying by ICC.
Rabada’s recovery progressing well, says Conrad
Conrad highlighted Rabada’s exceptional record against Australia and his importance to the South African bowling attack. The coach noted that Rabada has taken 58 wickets at an average of 21.39 in 11 Tests against Australia, demonstrating his value in this particular matchup. Rabada holds 340 wickets across 73 Tests overall.
“He’s such a huge player for us, but he seems to reserve his best for Australia. So I’m pretty confident that we’ll see KG (Rabada). There’s still a little bit of work to be done,” Conrad said.
A final medical clearance decision was expected close to the end of September 2026, once Rabada had completed several weeks of intensive treatment. Conrad stated that early indications from the medical team were positive and that the team would have clarity on his availability shortly.
“I think we’ll obviously have a really good idea close this week sometime, when he’ll have had a few weeks of intensive treatment. By all accounts, things are looking really good,” Conrad said.
Backup bowling options ready if needed
Conrad acknowledged that Rabada’s recovery speed and physical condition gave him reason for optimism, though he emphasised that the medical team’s assessment would be the determining factor in any final decision.
“But KG is an absolute superstar. He’s a real specimen and he tends to recover quicker than the rest do. I’m very optimistic but I’m led by the medical team so my optimism counts for nought when it comes to medical,” Conrad added.
The South African coach stressed that while Rabada’s presence would be significant, the team had capable alternatives ready to step up if needed. Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and youngster Kwena Maphaka were likely to shoulder greater responsibility in the fast bowling department if required.
“You don’t replace someone like KG at the drop of a hat. But I think we’ve shown in the past, and this is what this team has really been about, that whoever needs to step up is able to do that,” he concluded.
South Africa held the second position in the WTC 2025-27 standings, trailing Australia, who led the table. The three-Test series against Australia was scheduled for Durban on October 9, Gqeberha on October 18 and Cape Town on October 27.
