South Africa suffered a massive blow with star pacer Kagiso Rabada being ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia through injury ahead of the opening fixture on Tuesday.
Rabada has been diagnosed with inflammation in his right ankle, with scans on Monday confirming the injury.
“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,” South Africa said via a statement.
“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.
“The series gets underway with the first ODI on Tuesday, 19 August at Cazalys Stadium, starting at 14:30 local time.”
Rabada featured in all three matches of the recently-concluded T20I leg of the series, picking five wickets as the visitors lost the tie 1-2. The fiery quick was playing his first set of matches since shining in South Africa’s historic ICC World Test Championship final triumph against Australia at Lord’s. Snapping five and four wickets in each innings, Rabada was instrumental in setting up the Proteas stunning heist over the Aussies.
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In Rabada’s absence, South Africa went in with left-arm pacer Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as the pace options for the opening ODI match at the Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns on Tuesday morning. Winning the toss yet again, Australia captain opted to bowl first against Temba Bavuma’s men. Rabada could potentially be slated to make his comeback during South Africa’s six-match limited-overs tour to England in September.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen
