South Africa quick Rabada out of Australia ODI series with injury

South Africa’s paceman Kagiso Rabada (R) celebrates his wicket of Australia's Tim David with teammates during the third Twenty20 international cricket match between Australia and South Africa in Cairns on 16 August, 2025AFP

South Africa pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was Tuesday ruled out of the three-match one-day international series against Australia because of inflammation in his ankle.

Rabada played all three Twenty20s in the preceding series between the teams but underwent a scan on Monday after feeling discomfort.

South Africa announced Rabada's withdrawal just one hour before the ODI series-opener in Cairns.

He will remain on the Australia tour, where he will undergo rehabilitation.
Left-arm 19-year-old quick Kwena Maphaka, who claimed a leading nine wickets in the T20 series, has been added to the squad but was overlooked for the series-opener.

Veteran quick Lungi Ngidi leads a South African attack featuring off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who makes his ODI debut.

South Africa were sent in to bat first.