Kwena Maphaka ruled out of Australia ODIs with hamstring injury

Maphaka injury worsens South Africa’s fast-bowling crisis

South Africa have lost another fast bowler ahead of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with Kwena Maphaka ruled out after sustaining a right hamstring strain during training.

Kwena Maphaka during South Africa training

Maphaka will undergo further assessment to establish the extent of the injury, but he will not be available for the series opener in Durban. Seamer Lizaad Williams has been called up as his replacement and is scheduled to join the squad on Wednesday, September 23, one day before the first ODI.

The withdrawal deepens South Africa’s growing injury problems in the pace department. Lungi Ngidi was previously ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for the Titans, while Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman are also sidelined with hamstring issues. Nandre Burger has been managing a back problem, and Lutho Sipamla is another fast bowler affected by injury.

Series schedule

The ODI series begins in Durban on September 24, followed by matches in Johannesburg on September 27 and Potchefstroom on September 30. The limited-overs fixtures will be followed by a three-Test series between the teams.