Bavuma Mulls Two Spinners as Rabada Returns for Second Test

SECOND TESTProteas v Australia, GqeberhaMINUTE PULSE NEWS

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Cricket - South Africa return home after historic World Test Championship win - Cricket South Africa, Melrose, Johannesburg, South Africa - June 18, 2025 South Africa's Temba Bavuma during a press conference

South Africa have not yet named their team for the second Test against Australia, which starts in Gqeberha on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Captain Temba Bavuma said the side is weighing the weather and whether to play two spinners again, according to Reuters.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada looks set to return after recovering from a hamstring injury. South Africa need to bounce back after losing the first Test in Durban by 214 runs.

Key facts

The second Test of a three-match series starts in Gqeberha on Sunday.
South Africa lost the first Test in Durban by 214 runs.
Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play after missing the first Test with a hamstring injury.
Bavuma said the team is undecided between one spinner, two spinners or an all-rounder.
The playing XI has not been confirmed.

What happened

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Bavuma said the team wanted to see how conditions develop before deciding. He called the question of playing two spinners probably the biggest consideration. The other options include playing a single spinner or adding an all-rounder, and the choice of which all-rounder would also have to be made. He said it all comes down to the balance of the team.

Bavuma confirmed that Rabada has been released by the fitness team and is available for selection. He described the bowler as a big boost who leads the attack, and said the other bowlers feed off him whether he is on or off the field.

Background and context

South Africa were beaten by 214 runs in the first Test in Durban, so they trail Australia in the series. Bavuma said the batters need to be "much more ruthless" in turning good starts into big contributions. He said the team can build on the positive moments they had with the bat in Durban.

The side had played two spinners in the first Test, according to Reuters' reference to doing so "again".

What this means for you

For supporters. Expect the final XI to be confirmed at or just before the toss on Sunday, once the team has judged the pitch and weather. The most visible change is likely to be Rabada's return to the attack. Whether a second spinner plays is the main selection question still open.

What happens next

The Gqeberha Test starts on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
South Africa must win to keep the three-match series alive after the Durban defeat.
The playing XI should be announced before the start of play.

Frequently asked questions

When does the second Test start?

It starts on Sunday, 18 October 2026, in Gqeberha.

Is Kagiso Rabada playing?

He has been cleared by the fitness team and is available for selection after a hamstring injury. Reuters says his return looks certain, though the team is not yet confirmed.