World Test Championship holders South Africa have named their playing XI for the opening Test against Australia in Durban on Thursday, and Anrich Nortje is back in the five-day format.

The three-match series will begin at Kingsmead in Durban and will move to Gqeberha for the second Test, followed by Cape Town for the series decider. As all the matches will be part of the ongoing World Test Championship, both teams will be looking to start on a winning note and gain the advantage in the initial stages.

South Africa announces Anrich Nortje return as Kagiso Rabada continues recovery

South Africa will be without pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who has not played competitive cricket since representing Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League earlier this year after battling injury.

Rabada has not played competitive cricket since representing Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League earlier this year, following which he has been working his way back to full fitness.

Nortje, meanwhile, will spearhead the pace attack. The 32-year-old is set to play his first Test since facing the West Indies in 2023, a notable debut for a bowler who has been a mainstay of South Africa's red-ball setup in recent years.

Captain Temba Bavuma will lead the innings featuring Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs. Wiaan Mulder offers another all-round option, while Kyle Verreynne wears the gloves.

Marco Jansen adds to the batting and bowling resources and is expected to play a key role in conditions which will offer assistance to the seamers.

South Africa have also called up two specialist spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, which gives the Proteas a varied bowling attack and additional options as the Test progresses.

The hosts will be looking to the combination of experience and emerging talent to help them start their WTC campaign on a winning note against a strong Australian side.

South Africa playing XI

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje.