South Africa include fast bowler Kagiso Rabada in their preliminary squad for the three-Test series against Australia, which starts on October 9. The squad announcement also notes that Rabada’s fitness for the opening match is not yet final and will be evaluated through an intra-squad game next week.
The outlets’ reports focus on the squad stage rather than the final playing XI, indicating that selections remain subject to fitness checks. By using a preliminary squad and scheduling an assessment session, South Africa keep options open ahead of the first Test. The reports do not provide further detail on the underlying reason for the fitness assessment, but they emphasize that his participation in the opening match depends on the outcome of the intra-squad evaluation.
