While Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not disclosed the extent of the injury, on Sunday Rapport reported that Rabada is likely to miss all three Tests. The publication quoted Allan Donald, revealing Rabada would be “on the sidelines for nine or ten weeks because of a grade-three tear to his right hamstring.”

Donald, a former South Africa bowling coach, does not work with the national team but is the bowling coach at the Lions domestic outfit, where Rabada is based. Lions were hopeful of having Rabada’s services for their first four-day match of the season from September 10 but have been told he is not available.

Cricinfo understands that Donald has not had direct communication with CSA over the extent of Rabada’s injury, nor has he confirmed that Rabada is ruled out. CSA’s medical team is expected to issue a detailed prognosis in the next few days.

Nortje is not centrally contracted, as he has not played a Test since March 2023, but he was in line to take the field for South Africa’s last home series against Pakistan in early 2025 before injury ruled him out. Gerald Coetzee, who is currently playing for South Africa A against Bangladesh A in an unofficial Test series, could also come into contention.