Star South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia. His ouster has been affected by inflammation
on one of his ankles. The pacer underwent through scans, which reported that Rabada was unfit to be taking any part in the 50-over series, leaving a huge void to fill in the South African dressing room.
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the same with an official statement on Tuesday, further stating that the pacer will now practice a rehabilitation under the watchful eyes of the medical staff. To cover a replacement for his injury, the Temba Bavuma-led side has welcomed young left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka as an update to their squad.
"Proteas Men’s fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia due to inflammation of his right ankle. The 30-year-old underwent a scan on Monday, which confirmed the extent of the injury. He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas medical staff," a CSA official statement on social media read on Tuesday, August 19.
"Kwena Maphaka, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the recent T20 International series, has been added to the squad," the statement added.
South Africa updated ODI squad: Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Senuran Muthusamy, Prenalen Subrayen, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Kwena Maphaka
Meanwhile, the first match of the series is already underway, with the South Africans being asked to bat first after Mitchell Marsh's Australia won the toss. The visitors have handed ODI debuts to Dewald Brevis and Prenalen Subrayen, both of whom were impressive during the T20I leg of the tour. Having lost the T20Is by a 1-2 margin, Bavuma and Co. will be hopeful to have the 50-over fixtures in their favour.
