Kagiso Rabada and Steve Smith's intense rivalry has reignited as South Africa and Australia head into a decisive third Test in Cape Town. Rabada's recent dismissal of Smith in the second Test, coupled with their history from the 2018 series marked by controversy, sets the stage for a thrilling encounter. Both players acknowledge the competitive spirit, with Smith reflecting on his past ban.
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has become the fourth Proteas bowler to claim 200 Test wickets on home soil, joining legends like Dale Steyn and Shaun Pollock. His achievement came during a Test match against Australia where South Africa staged a remarkable comeback, enforcing a follow-on after dismissing Australia for 99. Captain Temba Bavuma led a strong batting recovery for the Proteas.
Australia's assistant coach Matthew Wade has warned his team to expect a more dangerous and aggressive South African attack with pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada poised to return for the second Test in Gqeberha, following his absence from the first match due to a hamstring injury.
South Africa, reeling from a 214-run defeat in the first Test against Australia, is determined to level the series in the second Test starting Sunday in Gqeberha. The hosts are expected to make several team changes, including the return of paceman Kagiso Rabada, as they look to overcome batting fragilities exposed in the previous match. Australia, despite their dominant win, might consider workload management for their fast bowlers amidst forecasts of persistent rain.
South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada will miss the first Test against Australia due to a hamstring injury, with captain Temba Bavuma confirming the team will field two spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, for the Durban match.
South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada is in contention to play in the first Test against Australia, starting Friday, despite a recent hamstring injury, with a final decision expected at the last minute.
South African batsman Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia due to a hamstring strain, adding to the team's growing injury concerns, with key paceman Kagiso Rabada also doubtful.
South Africa has announced an 18-player preliminary squad for the upcoming three-match home Test series against Australia, including fast bowler Kagiso Rabada despite his current hamstring injury. Uncapped batter Marques Ackerman also earned a call-up.
South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Australia due to a right hamstring strain and faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the subsequent three-match Test series.
South Africa crushed Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha to level the series 1-1, with Bavuma's 179 and Rabada's four wickets proving decisive.
South African captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the pressure of being World Test Champions after their series-levelling win against Australia. He highlighted the team's realisation of facing strong opposition and praised key performances from himself, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada. The victory sets up an exciting series decider in Cape Town.
Temba Bavuma's career-best 179 powered South Africa to 425 for nine declared, with record partnerships alongside Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer before Kagiso Rabada struck early against Australia.
South Africa has made significant changes to their squad for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, dropping Tristan Stubbs and calling up Matthew Breetzke. Ryan Rickelton will take over as wicketkeeper, likely leading to Kyle Verreynne's exclusion from the playing XI. These changes come after their heavy defeat in the first Test, with lead pacer Kagiso Rabada expected to return.
Australia were bowled out for 99 in their first innings, trailing South Africa by 326 runs.
Scott Boland struck twice in successive deliveries to reduce South Africa to 20 for two on a rain-hit opening day, giving Australia the early advantage in the second Test.
Following South Africa's defeat in the 1st Test in Durban on Tuesday, October 13, Herschelle Gibbs wants Kagiso Rabada back, Marques Ackerman included and Ryan Rickelton moved down the order to keep wickets in the 2nd Test.
Jasprit Bumrah ranked third in Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad's top 10 bowlers of the 21st century, ahead of Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan, behind Warne and Anderson.
Shukri Conrad has demanded sharper batting and greater mental toughness from South Africa after their 214-run defeat to Australia, urging composure over knee-jerk changes ahead of Sunday's second Test.
Australia and South Africa are set to begin a three-match Test series in Durban, with both teams looking for a boost after recent setbacks. The pitch at Kingsmead is expected to favour spinners, a departure from South Africa's usual seamer-friendly conditions, potentially influencing team selections.
Gujarat Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 to secure a spot in the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Key performances from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a strong partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill led GT to victory.
South Africa's fast bowler Anrich Nortje is on the verge of a surprising return to Test cricket after nearly four years, potentially bolstering an injury-hit Proteas attack against Australia in the first Test starting Friday in Durban.
Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa against Australia, with Gerald Coetzee recalled, Kagiso Rabada injured, and Dewald Brevis omitted as the Proteas strengthen World Cup preparations.
As the cycle enters a crucial phase, the teams now look to strengthen their case for a top-two finish.
Kagiso Rabada reflects on a 'disappointing' previous season, highlighting his shift from 'desperate' to 'determined' after a match-winning spell that helped Gujarat Titans defeat Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
South Africa's Kagiso Rabada discusses his journey through a drugs ban and winning the World Test Championship, highlighting his focus on personal well-being and prioritising international cricket.
Kagiso Rabada attributes Gujarat Titans' dominant win over Sunrisers Hyderabad to disciplined Test-match bowling, emphasising patience and simplicity.
Pat Cummins and Matt Renshaw led Australia's fightback against South Africa, adding an unbeaten 63-run stand before bad light ended the opening day at 187/6.
Kagiso Rabada, the Gujarat Titans' fast bowler, has been impressed by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless six-hitting in the IPL. Rabada acknowledged Sooryavanshi's talent and X-factor, noting his fast hands and lack of fear.
The in-form Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be up against a formidable Gujarat Titans bowling line-up in IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 on Friday.
Gujarat Titans face Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League, with a focus on stopping Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and improving their batting and fielding.
Kagiso Rabada discusses South Africa's successful cricket campaign, emphasizing the importance of team performance over individual statistics and highlighting the contributions of key players like Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch.
Bavuma "puts his money" on struggling Rabada to deliver something special ahead of T20WC semifinal
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced 12 venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia for the 2027 ODI World Cup, marking the tournament's return to Africa after 24 years, with a new 57-match, three-stage format designed to enhance competitiveness and fan experience.
The Proteas had kept the decision on playing Rabada open until Friday morning.
South Africa were dealt a major blow before the first ball was even bowled, with pace ace Kagiso Rabada ruled out of the opening Test against India due to a rib injury.
Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki expressed excitement as the brand identity and 12 host venues for the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup were unveiled, marking the tournament's return to Africa after 24 years with a new three-stage format.
All eyes will be on India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru icon Virat Kohli to deliver yet another masterclass against Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier one at Dharamsala on Tuesday.
South Africa's experienced pacer Kagiso Rabada said their young team are ready for the challenge.
Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar's impressive batting performances helped Gujarat Titans reach a total of 168 for five against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL match.
The South Africa bowling coach is also hopeful of off-spinner Simon Harmer, one of the heroes of the the visitors' memorable win in the first Test at Eden Gardens, playing in the final game of the short series while also ruling out any issue with his fitness.
