South Africa delay Rabada fitness decision for first Test

South Africa have not decided whether Kagiso Rabada is fit to play the first Test against Australia, with batting coach Ashwell Prince saying the fast bowler performed well in a two-day intrasquad match but is not yet at full fitness. The team plans to wait as long as possible before making its selection call for the match scheduled to begin October 9 in Durban. Rabada returned to bowling in the practice match after a hamstring injury sustained during training. Prince said he came through the game well and would continue training with the squad in the days before the Test. He cautioned that Rabada would not immediately be at 100 percent, while describing the bowler as looking good. The assessment is based on Rabada’s practice performance and Prince’s account; the reports provide no independent medical evaluation or final indication of whether he can handle a Test workload. His availability therefore remains unresolved, and South Africa have said they will delay the decision rather than commit before the remaining preparation is complete. Rabada’s possible absence would leave the team to select from other bowlers in its squad.