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South Africa will be without Ryan Rickelton for the second ODI against Australia in Johannesburg on Sunday after the batter was released from the squad due to personal reasons. He is expected to return for the third and final ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
Ryan Rickelton played in the series opener in Durban, where South Africa secured a 67-run victory to take a 1-0 lead. The Proteas will now have to make at least one change to their batting lineup for the second game.
Ryan Rickelton unavailable for 2nd ODI against Australia
Cricket South Africa confirmed that Rickelton will miss the second ODI but is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the series finale.
“Ryan Rickelton has been released from the squad for today’s match due to personal reasons. He will return for the third ODI,” Cricket South Africa said in a statement.
Ryan Rickelton's absence leaves South Africa with a decision to make at the top of the order. Aiden Markram or Tristan Stubbs could come into the playing XI as his replacement for the Johannesburg fixture.
Ryan Rickelton scored 27 runs in the 1st ODI as South Africa stunned Australia
Rickelton made 27 runs from 26 balls in the series opener before he was dismissed by Adam Zampa. His innings included four boundaries and came at a strike rate of 103.84.
South Africa lost Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi early, but Temba Bavuma's 30 and Breetzke's century helped steady the innings. Breetzke accelerated during the middle and final stages of the innings, hitting 14 fours and two sixes.
Jansen then provided the late impetus with seven fours and four sixes in his 75, helping South Africa reach 297/8.
Australia's chase began with Mitchell Marsh scoring 60 off 36 balls, while Travis Head made 36 and Matt Renshaw contributed 44. However, the visitors lost wickets regularly after Marsh's dismissal.
Maharaj's four-wicket haul proved decisive, while Bjorn Fortuin took two wickets. Australia were eventually bowled out for 230, giving South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The second ODI will be played in Johannesburg on September 27, with the final match scheduled for September 30 in Potchefstroom.
Temba Bavuma speaks on Ryan Rickelton's absence vs Australia
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma confirmed at the toss that Rickelton is unavailable for the second ODI against Australia due to personal reasons. Aiden Markram returns to the side, while Tristan Stubbs also comes into the playing XI. Bavuma also confirmed four changes, with Williams, Coetzee and Bosch rested.
“Ryan Rickelton, he's not available for personal reasons. Aiden Markram, he comes back into the side. Williams comes in, Coetzee and Bosch, they'll be rested. Tristan Stubbs also comes in, four changes in total,” Bavuma said at the toss.
Bavuma added that South Africa are still working towards settling their batting combination but have a clear idea of how it could look. He highlighted Markram's return and stressed the importance of building partnerships among the top-order batters.
“It's great that a guy like Aiden, he comes in there, back up the side, at the top of the order. And then we've got guys who we know that can kind of play that role in that top five. So I think, yeah, it's just about kind of building that momentum, getting those partnerships, really solid and going between those batters.”
