South Africa suffer setbacks as Kagiso Rabada ruled out of ODI series

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming three-match one-day international (ODI) series against Australia suffered a huge blow by the injury of pace bowler Kagiso Rabada.

The 30-year-old was ruled out of the series after developing inflammation in his right ankle.

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Rabada underwent a scan on Monday to assess the inquiry’s severity. The results confirmed that the bowler will remain sidelined for the duration of the series. He will stay in Australia to receive treatment and rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas’ medical team.

The announcement was made official b the Cricket South Africa (CSA) in a statement confirming Rabada’s absence and outlining the team’s plan to manage the injury. Rabada is a key member of South Africa’s bowling attack and his unitability represents a huge challenge for the squad.

In response, the CSA called up a replacement in the form of Kwena Maphaka, a young left-arm fast bowler. The 19-year-old impressed during the recently concluded T20I series against Australia when he emerged as the highest wicket-taker for South Africa.

Over the three T20 matches, he took nine wickets, including an impressive four-wicket haul in the opening game.

The addition of Maphaka will provide South Africa with a fresh option in the pace department. The young bowler will have the opportunity to gain further experience, as well.

The South Africa vs Australia ODI series will begin on Tuesday, at Cazaly Stadium in Cairns, Australia.

South Africa’s squad for the series includes captain Temba Bayuma and a combination of senior players and young talent. The squad members are: Temba Bayuma (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 and Prenalan Subrayen.

Bayuma is expected to lead the side as they look to respond after narrowly losing the recent T20 series to Australia. Key batters such as Aiden Markram and newcomer Dewald Brevis will play important roles in the batting lineup.

The 22-year-old Brevis showed huge promise in limited—overs format and will be closely observed throughout the tournament.

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Meanwhile, Australia has included experience batter Marnus Labuschagne in their squad after his exclusion from the recent test series against the West Indies.

Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummin.