Anrich Nortje returns as South Africa name XI for first Australia Test

South Africa has confirmed its playing XI for the first Test against Australia starting on October 9, 2026, at Kingsmead, Durban. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje makes his return to Test cricket for the first time since February 2023. Meanwhile, premier pacer Kagiso Rabada remains sidelined due to a right hamstring injury sustained in August 2026.

Nortje forms the seam attack alongside Marco Jansen, with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj selected as spin options. The match marks a high-stakes rematch of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final, in which reigning champions South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets at Lord's.