South Africa have suffered another setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with fast bowler Kwena Maphaka ruled out after sustaining a right hamstring strain. His absence further deepens the Proteas’ pace-bowling concerns, with several frontline quicks already unavailable heading into the series, which begins on September 24.

Kwena Maphaka added to South Africa’s growing injury list

Maphaka has become the latest South African fast bowler to be sidelined by a hamstring problem. He joins Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi on the injury list as the Proteas prepare to face Australia across three ODIs.

Rabada was already unavailable when South Africa initially selected their 16-member squad. Baartman and Ngidi were subsequently ruled out after the squad announcement, with Duan Jansen and Nqobani Mokoena drafted into the group as their replacements.

Replacement announced for Maphaka

Maphaka’s withdrawal has now prompted another change, with Lizaad Williams brought into the squad. The left-arm seamer recently returned to his domestic roots by signing with Boland Cricket and last represented South Africa in an ODI in November 2025.

The injury crisis has left South Africa with a considerably less experienced group of fast bowlers for the ODI series. Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch remain key all-round options, while Gerald Coetzee is also part of the squad despite having last played an ODI in November 2023.

Duan and Nqobani have only four ODI appearances between them, while Williams has featured in eight ODIs since making his international debut in 2021.

The situation presents South Africa with a challenging selection scenario against an Australian side, particularly with several established pace options unavailable. The Proteas will also need to carefully manage their bowling resources with an important Test assignment against Australia following the ODI series.

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Injury concerns extend beyond the ODI series

South Africa’s concerns are not limited to the immediate three-match ODI contest. The team continues to monitor the availability of Rabada and Ngidi ahead of the Test series against Australia, which begins on October 9.

The ODI series will open in Durban on September 24, followed by matches in Johannesburg on September 27 and Potchefstroom on September 30. Australia will then play a two-day tour match against a South Africa XI on October 3 and 4 before the Test series gets underway.

The second Test is scheduled for Gqeberha from October 18, with Cape Town hosting the third Test from October 27.

Updated South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duan Jansen, Marco Jansen, Nqobani Mokoena, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams

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