South Africa include Rabada in preliminary squad

 South Africa have named a preliminary squad of 18 players for the three-match home Test series against Australia that starts next month and have included fast ‌bowler Kagiso Rabada despite the fact he is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury. But there is no place for fellow seamers Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi, all ruled out with hamstring problems. Seamers Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje ⁠and Dane Paterson have all been recalled to the squad for a series to be played at three coastal venues that should suit the bowlers. Batter Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped player selected. The 30-year-old has amassed more than 1,000 runs in his last 10 red-ball appearances for South Africa "A" at an average of 82.92. Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy provide ‌the ⁠specialist spin options, along with part-timer Aiden Markram. “We’ve selected a preliminary squad because we have an extended build-up to the first Test, with the group getting together in Durban on October 1,” coach Shukri ⁠Conrad said. The first Test will be played in Durban from October 9 to 13, with further fixtures in Gqeberha (October 18 to 22) and Cape ⁠Town (October 27 to 31).  Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, ⁠Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.