Kagiso Rabada will play no part in South Africa’s one-day series in Australia after scans in Cairns confirmed inflammation in his left ankle. The 30-year-old fast bowler, hurt during training on Monday, will remain with the squad and begin rehabilitation overseen by Cricket South Africa’s medical staff.
“The scan showed irritation rather than structural damage, but the wise course is rest,” CSA chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra said in a statement. “Kagiso will not be considered for the current series.”
Kwena Maphaka, leading wicket-taker in the just-completed T20Is, has been drafted in as cover. With Marco Jansen still recovering from thumb surgery, South Africa’s frontline pace options are now Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger and Maphaka, while seam-bowling all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch offer further depth. Spin remains in the hands of Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen.
Head coach Rob Walter kept the setback in perspective. “Injuries happen; it’s another chance for someone else to make a case,” he said before the toss in the opening ODI at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns.
The sides move north to Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena for the final two matches. Australia took a hard-fought T20I series 2-1, and both camps view these ODIs as useful preparation for next year’s Champions Trophy.
Rabada’s record—158 wickets in 95 ODIs—underlines what South Africa will miss, yet the medical team are determined to prevent a minor issue from flaring into something more serious. As Walter concluded, “We’d rather lose him for one week than one month.”
