South Africa vs Australia 2025: Kagiso Rabada Ruled Out of ODI Series Against Australia; Kwena Maphaka Called Up

South Africa’s star fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, will miss the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia due to ankle inflammation. Scans confirmed that he is not fit to play in the 50-over matches, leaving a big gap in the South African team.

Rabada Out, Maphaka Added as South Africa Faces Australia in First ODI

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Tuesday that the pacer will focus on rehabilitation under the guidance of the team’s medical staff. To fill the gap left by his injury, the team led by Temba Bavuma has brought in young left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka to join the 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.

The first match of the series has already started. After winning the toss, Australia’s Mitchell Marsh chose to field, so South Africa is batting first. Australia has given ODI debuts to Dewald Brevis and Prenalen Subrayen, who both performed well during the T20I part of the tour. Having lost the T20I series 1-2, Temba Bavuma and his team will be hoping to do better in the 50-over matches.

South Africa vs Australia Playing 11: 

Australia Playing 11: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa Playing 11: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi