Kagiso Rabada closing in on return for South Africa in Gqeberha Test after Durban defeat

Kagiso Rabada is closing in on a return for South Africa's second Test against Australia in Gqeberha on October 18 after missing the series opener in Durban with a hamstring injury. The Proteas were beaten by 214 runs at Kingsmead and will view Rabada's availability as a key factor in their effort to level the three-match series.

Captain Temba Bavuma said Rabada's non-selection for the first Test was precautionary and gave an upbeat update on his recovery. "'KG' looks good. I think Super Sport (TV) kept showing him on the big screen bowling. He's as bubbly as ever within the changing room," Bavuma said. "His non-selection was more from a precautionary point of view given the extra couple of days. So he's got the extra couple of days. We'll see how he continues to improve. But KG? KG is very good," Bavuma added.

Rabada has not played competitive cricket since featuring for Gujarat Titans in the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 31. If declared fit he could be available for selection for the Gqeberha Test, potentially at the expense of Anrich Nortje, who made his long-awaited return to Test cricket in Durban.

Durban's first Test saw Australia recover from 124 for 6 to post 390 in their first innings, with Matt Renshaw scoring a career-best 190. In the second innings Josh Hazlewood took six wickets for 49 as Australia bowled South Africa out for 206 while chasing a target of 421, sealing a commanding victory and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

South Africa's bowling unit would gain pace potency with Rabada back alongside Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje. The hosts must also confront their batting failures from Kingsmead: Aiden Markram's second-innings 75 was the only half-century by a South African batter in the match, and several others failed to construct substantial partnerships.

Selection decisions for the St George's Park Test will hinge on Rabada's fitness assessment and the coaching staff's response to the deficiencies exposed in Durban. The second Test begins on October 18 at St George's Park, with South Africa needing a strong response to try to level the series.