Author: Australian Associated Press

• ‘There’s no hate,’ says bowler ahead of return to St George’s Park

• Pair clashed in Gqeberha during heated series six years ago

Kagiso Rabada insists there is no lingering bad blood with Australia as the South Africa speedster prepares to return to the site of his controversial clash with Steve Smith.

Rabada has been declared fit to come back from his hamstring tear and face Australia in the second Test at St George’s Park, in his first match since May. The South African’s return comes at a crucial point in the series, with the hosts fighting to stay alive after their 214-run pumping in Durban last week.

• Former Test opener is writing a new book released next month

• Australia captain Cummins confirms conversation with Khawaja

Pat Cummins has suggested he is unfazed by the prospect of the sandpaper scandal being raised in Usman Khawaja’s autobiography, which will be the first from any Australian player who played in that 2018 Cape Town Test.

Cummins confirmed that Khawaja had called to inform him he would be writing the book, which will be released days after the end of Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the infamous match.

• Opener said it is unfair for ex-players to criticise modern batting lineup

• Australia’s vice-captain eager to open in Tests against South Africa

Travis Head has accused Australia’s golden generation of being unfair in “putting a bullet through” current players, saying the game has changed significantly since they played.

Just a day after Matthew Hayden slammed selectors and accused them of promoting “the greatest pile of mediocrity” after calling up Nic Maddinson, Head took his own stand in South Africa.

• Australia all-rounder fails to overcome abdominal strain

• Maddinson or Cooper Connolly to fill No 5 spot in Durban opener

Andrew McDonald insists Nic Maddinson’s Test squad call-up should be no shock, with the left-hander edging closer to replacing the injured Cameron Green in Durban.

Green has been officially ruled out of Australia’s side for the opening Test against South Africa, after failing to overcome the abdominal strain suffered in last week’s final ODI.

• Batter makes 111 against Cricket South Africa Invitation XI

• Three-match Test series starts in Durban on Friday

The indefatigable Marnus Labuschagne has responded to all the hand-wringing over whether he merits a place in Australia’s Test future by just doing what he likes doing best – scoring runs.

After a difficult year, the under-pressure 32-year-old chose the most timely moment to score his first century in any form of cricket for 11 months in Potchefstroom, just five days before Australia play their first Test in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

• Third ODI: Aus 322-9, SA 145-4; Australia won by 45 runs (DLS)

• Wicketkeeper and Marsh hit half-centures while Peake also impresses

Australia have avoided a whitewash in their ODI series in South Africa with Pat Cummins’ encouraging comeback and the return to form of Adam Zampa and Alex Carey inspiring them to a morale-boosting if rain-interrupted win in Potchefstroom.

The final day-nighter was eventually called off under the lights on Wednesday as rain ruined the finale, but Australia could still celebrate a satisfying 45-run (DLS method) victory on a day when they were vastly improved after their capitulation in chases in the first two matches.