South Africa seamer Rabada a major doubt for upcoming England test series

Rabada is a key strike bowler for South Africa in the longer format and one of the best bowlers in the world. His absence would be a huge blow to the tourists’ hopes of success in the England series, which starts at Lord’s on August 17th. Cricket South Africa said on Tuesday that the 27-year-old would be closely monitored ahead of the test series but offered no time frame on a potential return to action.

He is definitely ruled out of the T20 games against Ireland that will be played in Bristol on Wednesday and Friday. However, the South African side is coming off the back of an impressive 2-1 victory against England in the T20 series, so will be full of confidence.

South Africa will look to cement their lead in the World Test Championship with a series win against a resurgent England, who have been fearsome with the bat under new coach Brendon McCullum, beating India and New Zealand in their last four tests.

Despite Rabada's absence, the Proteas are stacked in the fast bowling department, with the likes of Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen all likely to play in the test series.