The first Test between South Africa and Australia is being played at Kingsmead. The team, captained by Temba Bavuma, is without experienced fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. Australia is batting first.

South African cricketers Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada

The first Test between South Africa and Australia is being played at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. They are without their most experienced fast bowler, Temba Bavuma, for this match. Kagiso Rabada is out of action due to injury, and Anrich Nortje has been named in the playing eleven in his place.

Kagiso Rabada has an impressive Test record against Australia. He has taken 58 wickets in 20 Test innings against Australia, making his absence a significant blow for South Africa. Australia and South Africa have faced each other 101 times in Tests, with Australia having the upper hand. Australia has won 54 matches, while South Africa has won only 26. The risk of Temba Bavuma's significant record being shattered has also increased.

Temba Bavuma never lost as a captain.

Bavuma's record of never losing as a Test captain still stands, having captained more than 10 matches. However, without Kagiso Rabada, the risk of defeat in this match against Australia increases, which could also end his unbeaten record.

Bavuma has captained South Africa in 12 Test matches, winning 11 and drawing just one. His win percentage is 84.61. He has never lost a Test as captain.

However, even without Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's bowlers provided a solid start in the first Test. They dismissed both openers for 24 in the first innings. Marco Jansen bowled Nic Maddinson, who remained unbeaten on 33 balls. Willem Mulder dismissed Travis Head (9).