South Africa add young pacer for ODI series against Australia

The 19-year-old left-armer earned selection after topping the wicket charts with nine scalps in the T20I series against Australia

PHOTO: AFP

South Africa have boosted their squad with teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting Tuesday in Cairns.

According to ICC press release, the 19-year-old left-armer earned his place after a standout T20I series against Australia, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker with nine scalps. Maphaka, who already has two ODI caps, is now in contention to feature again as the Proteas prepare for a testing battle on Australian soil.

Alongside Maphaka, all eyes will also be on in-form batter Dewald Brevis, who is set for his ODI debut. The 22-year-old impressed during the T20I series, scoring 180 runs at a remarkable average of 90 and a strike rate above 200.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma praised Brevis’ rise but also welcomed the energy brought in by younger players like Maphaka.

“It’s always exciting when you see the young faces. Obviously the big talk has been on Brevis, (he's been) putting up his hand and showing what he is capable of. (I'm) excited to see what he can also bring within the one-day stuff,” Bavuma said.

The series will also mark Bavuma’s return from a hamstring injury picked up during South Africa’s ICC World Test Championship triumph in June. The skipper confirmed he will bat at No.3 behind openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram.

For Australia, Marnus Labuschagne returns to the squad after missing the recent Test series, while Mitch Marsh continues to lead in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins.

The three-match ODI series begins in Cairns before moving to Mackay for the final two games.

South Africa 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, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen.

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa.