Maphaka ruled out of Aussie ODI series

The Proteas’ pace-bowling injury crisis has deepened on the eve of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with Kwena Maphaka, the latest paceman ruled out with a right hamstring strain.

Maphaka joins Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi on the injured list, all with hamstring injuries.

Lizaad Williams has been called up to South Africa’s squad as Maphaka’s replacement.

“The seamer (Maphaka) sustained the injury during training in preparation for the series and will undergo assessments to determine the extent of the injury,” Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

Ngidi and Baartman have been replaced in the squad by Duan Jansen and 20-year-old seamer, Nqobani Mokoena.

With a growing list of first-choice bowlers on the sidelines, Marco Jansen is set to lead a relatively inexperienced group of speedsters.

The six seamers in the attack are Williams, Mokoena, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, Duan Jansen and Marco Jansen.

ODI Series schedule:

First ODI – 24 September, Durban
Second ODI – 27 September, Johannesburg
Third ODI – 30 September, Potchefstroom

Test Series schedule:

First Test: October 9-13, Durban
Second Test: October 18-22, Gqeberha
Third Test: October 27-31, Johannesburg

Matchday -1! 🇿🇦⚡️

The wait is almost over! Tomorrow, #TheProteas take on Australia in the first ODI of the series at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. 🏏

Bring it on! 🔥#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/1fmfniQi3b

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 23, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari