Kagiso Rabada will miss the ODI series against Australia due to an ankle injury. Following scans on Monday, it was determined that he would be unable to participate and will begin rehabilitation under the care of South Africa’s medical team. Young bowler Kwena Maphaka has been called up to replace Rabada. Maphaka was the top wicket-taker in the T20I series and has now been included in the ODI squad. South Africa is also without Marco Jansen, who is recovering from a thumb injury. The responsibility of leading the pace attack now rests on Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Maphaka.
The first ODI is underway at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns. This series follows a competitive T20I series where Australia prevailed 2-1. The 50-over format presents a different challenge. Cazaly’s Stadium has a limited history of hosting ODIs, most recently in a series in 2022. Batting has often been difficult, with the highest team score being 267 and the highest chase only reaching 233 in the ODIs played at the venue. The pitch typically provides assistance to seam bowlers, particularly in the early overs, making scoring difficult.