Kagiso Rabada Nears Fitness Recovery, Set to Return for Second Test Against Australia in Gqeberha

The Comeback: Star pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada is closing in on a timely return to the Proteas starting XI for the crucial second Test against Australia in Gqeberha.

Previous Absence: Rabada missed the opening Test of the series at Kingsmead in Durban due to fitness concerns, where South Africa faced an uphill battle. Boost for the Proteas: His impending return provides a massive psychological and tactical lift to the bowling attack as South Africa looks to level the series.

Ahead of the Test, Bavuma said Rabada had not yet been "officially handed over," by Cricket South Africa's medical staff, which indicated he was still under return to play protocols. It is not clear whether that hand over has taken place but from Bavuma's latest update, it appears Rabada's rehabilitation has moved forward.

Series Context: Australia currently holds a 1-0 lead in the multi-match Test series following their victory in Durban, making the Gqeberha encounter a must-win fixture for the hosts to stay alive in the contest.

Nortje is one of seven quicks in South Africa's squad, which includes Jansen, Mulder, Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson. They also have several others on the sidelines. Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka and Otteneil Baartman are unavailable for selection for the Australia Tests as they recover from respective hamstring injuries but are expected to feature later in the summer.

South Africa will announce an updated squad for the second Test on Thursday after they had a 17-player group for the first Test. Uncapped batter Marques Ackermann and spin-bowling allrounder Senuran Muthusamy were the other two squad players who did not play at Kingsmead.

Kagiso Rabada's recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing well with suggestions that he could be back in the XI as South Africa look to square the series against Australia in Gqeberha.