Major blow for South Africa as key player ruled out of ODI series against Australia

South Africa suffered a major setback as premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the entire ODI series against Australia due to an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old pacer underwent scans on Monday, which confirmed the extent of the injury, forcing him to remain on the sidelines. Rabada, who has been a vital cog in South Africa’s bowling attack across formats, will stay in Australia and begin rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff.

His absence adds to South Africa’s growing injury concerns, with left-arm quick Marco Jansen also unavailable as he continues to recover from surgery on his left thumb. To bolster their pace department, South Africa have drafted in teenager Kwena Maphaka, who impressed in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia by finishing as the highest wicket-taker.

With Rabada and Jansen missing, the Proteas will rely heavily on the pace trio of Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Maphaka. Allrounders Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch provide additional seam-bowling options, while the spin department is covered by Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Prenelan Subrayen.

The series opener is taking place at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, before the action shifts to Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena for the final two ODIs. Australia head into the series with momentum after edging out South Africa 2-1 in a competitive T20I series, setting the stage for another closely fought contest.

South Africa squad for the ODI series against Australia: 

Temba Bavuma (captain), 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.