Cairns, Aug 19 (IANS) – South Africa have been dealt a major setback ahead of their ODI series against Australia, with star pacer Kagiso Rabada sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Monday that scans revealed inflammation in Rabada’s 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,” CSA said in a statement.
To bolster the attack, CSA have called up teenage left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka, who recently impressed in the T20I series against Australia, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with nine scalps. The 19-year-old, who grabbed headlines with a career-best 4/20 in the first T20I, became the youngest bowler from a full-member nation to take four wickets in a T20I.
Maphaka has already featured in two Tests, two ODIs, and nine T20Is, claiming a total of 23 wickets across formats. He also earned the Player of the Tournament title at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 and was crowned T20 Challenge Player of the Season at the CSA Awards 2024–25.
The three-match ODI series begins in Cairns on Tuesday, with the final two matches scheduled in Mackay.
