South Africa Faces Australia in 1st Test Without Rabada

South Africa will compete against Australia in the first Test match in Durban, starting Friday. This encounter marks the return of the rivalry to South Africa for the first time since the 2017/18 series, which was marred by the sandpaper scandal.

South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship champions, will be without key fast bowler Kagiso Rabada due to a hamstring injury. Coach Shukri Conrad noted the team's struggles with injuries among fast bowlers. Anrich Nortje will return to the squad after a long absence, and captain Temba Bavuma has highlighted his potential impact.

The South African team includes two specialist spinners and will rely on Nortje and Marco Jansen to lead the pace attack. Australia, currently at the top of the World Test Championship points table, has not finalized its playing XI as captain Pat Cummins indicated they would make decisions closer to the match.