A Setback Before the First Match
South Africa’s ODI series against Australia hasn’t even started yet, and the Proteas have already run into trouble. Star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. The update came just hours before the opening game in Cairns, leaving South Africa with a big gap to fill.
What Happened to Rabada?
Rabada went for scans earlier this week, and they showed inflammation in his right ankle. While the injury isn’t long-term, it’s serious enough to rule him out of all three ODIs. Instead of returning home, he’ll remain in Australia to begin rehab under the Proteas medical team.
Who Steps In?
The selectors have called up Kwena Maphaka, the 19-year-old left-arm quick who impressed in the recent T20I series. He ended as the top wicket-taker with nine wickets in three matches, including a brilliant four-for in the opener.
Although Maphaka has joined the ODI squad, he didn’t feature in the playing XI for the first match. Still, his presence gives South Africa a promising option for the future.
Why This Matters
Losing Rabada is always a blow. He’s the leader of South Africa’s pace attack and a proven match-winner. Without him, the Proteas will rely on bowlers like Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, and Nandre Burger to carry the load against a strong Australian batting lineup.
Looking Ahead
The first ODI is being played at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, marking the teams’ first 50-over clash since the 2023 World Cup semi-final. South Africa will want to bounce back after losing the T20I series, but doing so without their spearhead makes the challenge tougher.
South Africa’s ODI Squad
-
Temba Bavuma (c)
-
Corbin Bosch
-
Matthew Breetzke
-
Dewald Brevis
-
Nandre Burger
-
Tony de Zorzi
-
Aiden Markram
-
Kwena Maphaka
-
Senuran Muthusamy
-
Keshav Maharaj
-
Wiaan Mulder
-
Lungi Ngidi
-
Lhuan-dre Pretorius
-
Ryan Rickelton
-
Tristan Stubbs
-
Prenelan Subrayen
Final Word
It’s a frustrating setback for South Africa to lose Kagiso Rabada, but it also gives Kwena Maphaka another chance to grow at the highest level. The ODI series now carries extra intrigue — can the Proteas find a way to compete without their strike bowler? Fans won’t have to wait long for the answer.
Read more at Sportupia
