Skip to main content

Yet another seamer blow for South Africa ahead of Australia ODI series

Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out with a hamstring injury
Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out with a hamstring injuryARUN SANKAR / AFP

South Africa have been dealt another injury blow ahead of the three-match One-Day International series against Australia that starts in Durban on Thursday after fast bowler Kwena Maphaka withdrew with a hamstring injury.

Maphaka’s injury follows the absence of first-choice fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, who also have hamstring problems.

Lizaad Williams has been called into the squad as a replacement for Maphaka.

South Africa are also without seamers Ottneil Baartman (hamstring) and Nandre Burger (back), leaving their seam attack decimated.

Instead, they will rely on Williams, the Jansen twins, Marco and Duan, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Nqobani Mokoena.

Between them, the six have played only 72 ODIs in what will be one of the least experienced bowling line-ups for South Africa against a major opponent in some time.

The first match in the series will be played in Durban on Thursday, before further fixtures in Johannesburg on Sunday and Potchefstroom on September 30.

 

Nick Said has been covering African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa and you can follow him on X and LinkedIn.

Prefer Flashscore on GoogleSee our stories more often
AddAdd on Google

Chances are you’re about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au