Rabada ruled out of Australia ODI series with ankle inflammation
Maphaka, the highest wicket-taker of the T20I series, was added to the squad on Monday
ESPNcricinfo staff
19-Aug-2025 • 13 hrs ago
Kagiso Rabada underwent scans on Monday which confirmed the extent of his injury • AFP/Getty Images
South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of action for the entirety of the three-match ODI series against Australia on the morning of the first ODI.
Rabada, 30, underwent a scan on Monday, which confirmed the extent of his ankle injury. He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the South Africa medical staff. Kwena Maphaka, who was the highest wicket-taker in the T20I series that preceded the ODIs, has been added to the South Africa squad.
With Rabada not available and Marco Jansen still recovering from surgery to his left thumb, the fast bowlers in the squad are Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi and Maphaka. They also have seam-bowling allrounders Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder on the tour. Their spin options are Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen.
The first of three ODIs is being played at the Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, after which the teams move to Mackay's Great Barrier Reef Arena for the next two matches. Australia won the hard-fought T20I series 2-1.