In a recent development, South Africa fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Cricket South Africa stated that the left-arm pacer will undergo assessments to determine the extent of his injury ahead of the upcoming three-match Test series on home soil.
The three-match ODI series begins at Kingsmead in Durban on September 24, followed by matches at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on September 27 and Potchefstroom on September 30. The three-match Test series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, begins in Durban on October 9.
Cricket South Africa Names Lizaad Williams as Kwena Maphaka's Replacement
Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out after sustaining a right hamstring strain during training in Durban. The young seamer will undergo further medical assessments to determine the extent of the injury and his recovery timeline.
CSA has named Boland paceman Lizaad Williams as Maphaka’s replacement. The 32-year-old will join the squad ahead of the series opener in Durban. Williams has eight ODI caps and last played in the format in November 2025.
“Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the three-match Dafabet One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia with a right hamstring strain. The seamer sustained the injury during training in preparation for the series and will undergo assessments to determine the extent of the injury. Boland paceman Lizaad Williams has been named as his replacement and will join the squad today.”
Kagiso Rabada is already unavailable, while Lungi Ngidi was ruled out after suffering a right hamstring injury during a first-class match between the Titans and Dolphins. Nqobani Mokoena had earlier replaced Ngidi in the 16-member squad.
Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee Lead South Africa's Pace Attack
With Kagiso Rabada, Ngidi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman unavailable, South Africa will have to rely on a young bowling attack against Australia. Marco Jansen is expected to play a key role with the new ball, with his height, pace, and ability to generate bounce making him an important option.
Gerald Coetzee also returns to the ODI setup after nearly three years away from the format. The fast bowler last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup in India and will add pace to an attack that also includes Corbin Bosch and Duan Jansen.
The spin department provides South Africa with some experience, with Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin offering control and variation. Williams’ inclusion also gives the Proteas another experienced pace option in the absence of several frontline bowlers.
Kagiso Rabada's Fitness Key Ahead of Test Series
Kagiso Rabada is recovering from his injury ahead of the three-match Test series against Australia. Rabada remains South Africa’s leading fast-bowling option and has been one of the team’s most important Test players since making his international debut in 2015.
Rabada has taken more than 300 Test wickets at an average of 22.03 and has a strike rate of 39.5, highlighting his impact in the longest format. South Africa will hope he can return to full fitness before the Test series begins in Durban on October 9.
The Test series will continue in Gqeberha and Cape Town and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The ODI series also carries significance ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with both teams using the three matches to assess combinations and prepare for the tournament.
