Nortje brings the pace back as SA face AUS without Rabada in Durban

South Africa will host Australia in Durban for the first Test of their series, marking Australia's first Test tour in the country since 2017/18. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje will make his return to Test cricket for the first time since 2023, bolstering a South African bowling unit that will be without Kagiso Rabada as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma confirmed South Africa's playing XI, selecting spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer alongside pacers Nortje and Marco Jansen. Australia captain Pat Cummins stated the visitors will finalize their lineup on Friday morning, weighing whether to field both Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann.