South Africa's Pace Spearhead Sidelined Ahead of Cairns Match

Kagiso Rabada to miss ODI series

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada won't play in the three-match ODI series against Australia due to an ankle injury. The 30-year-old fast bowler underwent a scan that confirmed inflammation in his right ankle.

“He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision...”

South Africa's pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada, has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia due to an ankle injury. The 30-year-old fast bowler underwent a scan on Monday, which confirmed inflammation in his right ankle, making him unavailable for the series.

Rabada's absence is a significant setback for the Proteas, especially given their history with Australia. The teams last met in an ODI semifinal in the 2023 World Cup, where Australia knocked South Africa out of the tournament. Rabada will remain in Australia to begin his rehabilitation under the supervision of the team's medical staff.

Replacement and Team Lineup

Kwena Maphaka, a 19-year-old left-arm seamer, has been added to the ODI squad as a replacement for Rabada. Maphaka was the leading wicket-taker in the recent T20I series between the two teams. Despite Rabada's absence, South Africa handed ODI debuts to Dewald Brevis and Prenelan Subrayen in the first match of the series.

🚨Squad Update 🚨

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… pic.twitter.com/8SYrKWMgHz

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 19, 2025

Match Details

The first ODI match is underway in Cairns, with Australia winning the toss and electing to bowl first. The teams are:

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.

Kagiso Rabada's injury has led to his exclusion from the ODI series against Australia. The fast bowler will remain in Australia to undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas medical staff. As per Cricket South Africa's statement, “He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas medical staff.”

Kwena Maphaka, the leading wicket-taker in the recent T20 series, has been added to the squad as a replacement for Rabada. Although Maphaka is part of the squad, he wasn't selected for the first ODI match. His inclusion provides depth to the Proteas' bowling lineup, and he may get opportunities in the upcoming matchesm.