South Africa leave Rabada out of Australia Test opener

South Africa will begin its three-Test series against Australia without fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, after captain Temba Bavuma said the team chose not to rush him back from a hamstring injury for the opening match on October 9. Rabada had returned to training but was not considered ready for competitive action, according to Bavuma’s comments reported on the day of the Test. The October 8 reports had described his fitness as uncertain, with teammate Simon Harmer saying a decision would be made close to the start of the match. Harmer said the team did not want to risk longer-term damage for the sake of playing Rabada in the opener. South Africa selected Anrich Nortje for the first Test, marking his return to red-ball cricket after more than three years, according to the October 9 report. The hosts will also have spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj available as they reshape the bowling attack at Kingsmead in Durban. Rabada could return for the second Test, scheduled to begin in Gqeberha on October 18, but the report did not confirm his availability for that match. The three-Test series is scheduled to run through October 31.