Rabada was in contention for selection as he worked his way back to fitness after a hamstring injury in June, and trained with the squad at Kingsmead on Thursday, but has been left out to continue his recovery, captain Temba Bavuma told a press conference.
Bavuma named a side that sees Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj lead a dual spin attack and pace bowler Anrich Nortje play in a first-class game for the first time in almost four years.
Team: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Anrich Nortje