Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada unavailable for red ball preparations ahead of Test series against India

Test skipper Temba Bavuma and veteran pacer Kagiso Rabada, who were rested from SA’s limited overs fixtures against India to prepare for the two test-series, will not compete in the domestic first class matches as previously planned.

Bavuma and Rabada were due to play for Lions against the Dolphins in Durban beginning on Thursday, but the Lions confirmed that neither Bavuma nor Rabada were available for selection. "Bavuma has a personal matter to attend to and Rabada has a heel niggle," the statement read, while further adding that the Lions coach Russell Domingo was "disappointed" not to have them in the XI.

Rabada’s magnitude of injury is still unknown and if serious, could leave the proteas without their pace spearhead for the Tests against team India. Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the series as he is recovering from a lower back stress fracture while Lungi Ngidi had to opt out of the T20I leg with an ankle sprain and is also not a part of the first class matches that commences on Thursday. Rabada’s heel issue dates back to the marquee event, where he was not able to bowl in the semi-final against Australia. 

Two other speedsters- Gerald Coetze and Marco Jansen- have been let go from South Africa’s T20I squad and will not play the ODIs against the men in blue as they are scheduled to play first class cricket in preparation for red ball cricket. SA’s pace bowling alternative, Nandre Burger, is a member of the ODI squad and also won’t compete this round of first class fixtures. 

Since the ODI World Cup, Bavuma has not played any cricket. His last game came against Australia in the semi final where he was carrying a hamstring injury. He last represented SA in a test match in March against the Windies. The 33 year old is expected to be available for the Test series against India, which begins on December 26.