South Africa have received a massive body blow as pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against Australia. The fast bowler underwent a scan on Monday, August 18, which confirmed the extent of the ankle injury. For now, the 31-year-old will remain Down Under and undergo rehabilitation under the watchful eyes of South African medical staff. Kwena Maphaka, who was the highest wicket-taker in the preceding three-match ODI series, has been added to South Africa's squad.
With Rabada out, & Marco Jansen also recovering from thumb surgery, the fast bowling line-up will now be led by Lungi Ngidi. He will have Nandre Burger, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch for company alongside Maphaka. Barring Mulder, the rest of the players were part of the T20 Series. Among those, only Burger did not feature in any of the three T20Is.
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The spin bowling attack will see the return of Keshav Maharaj, who has recovered from an abdominal tear. He will have Senuran Muthusamy and Prenalan Subrayen for company.
South Africa eyeing to make a comeback in the ODI series
Notably, the visitors lost the preceding T20 series 2-1. The third & final T20I was a closely contested game, where the host prevailed by just two wickets. The three ODIs give South Africa a chance to avenge the T20 series loss. The first of the three ODIs is underway today at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, after which the next two ODIs will be played at Mackay's Great Barrier Reef Arena. This will be the first ODI assignment for Proteas' new all-format coach Shukri Conrad.
