After Rabada, Ngidi, Another South African Pacer Ruled Out Of Australia ODIs

Kwena Maphaka ruled out vs Australia [Source: AFP]Seems like injury has followed the South African camp ahead of the ODI matches against Australia, and after Lungi Ngidi, another Proteas pacer has been ruled out of the upcoming matches.The upcoming ODIs hold utmost importance for the South African side as they aim to fine-tune their playing combinations for the 2027 World Cup at home, but injuries continue to hamper the team, even before a single ball has been delivered.Kwena Maphaka ruled out of Australia ODIs, replacement namedIn the latest development, Cricket South Africa has announced that Kwena Maphaka, the 20-year-old pacer, has been ruled out of the Australia ODIs due to an injury.He sustained a right hamstring injury during training in preparation for the series, and the pacer will now undergo assessments to determine the seriousness of the injury.With just a day left for the 1st ODI match in Durban, the South African management were quick to announce a replacement as Lizaad Williams replaces the injured Maphaka in the ODI squad for the Australia matches.“Maphaka seamer sustained the injury during training in preparation for the series and will undergo assessments to determine the extent of the injury,” read a statement from Cricket South Africa.Maphaka added to South Africa's long injury listAustralia won’t be an easy challenge for the hosts, South Africa in the upcoming ODIs, but even before the series has started, the home team has suffered numerous injuries, with Maphaka the latest addition.Prior to the 20-year-old pacer, South Africa had already suffered multiple injuries to key bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada, who was ruled out of the ODIs and is currently doubtful for the Test series.Also Read: Lungi Ngidi Ruled Out Of SA vs AUS ODI Series; Replacement NamedAlso, a few days ago, Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the ODIs due to a right hamstring injury, and a replacement was named. Ottneil Baartman will also be unavailable for the matches as the Rainbow Nation has a depleted bowling attack for the three-match series.With such a long injury list, South Africa will have limited choices when picking the bowlers in the playing XI for the first ODI in Kingsmead, Durban.Why South Africa will miss Maphaka in upcoming ODIsThe left-arm pacer has played just five ODI matches, and he has scalped 9 wickets, with an average of 27.22. Moreover, in the last two 50-over matches, the fast bowler impressed against the Namibian side.He picked up 4 wickets in the two games that he played and made the batters dance to his tune. In the absence of Ngidi and Rabada, Maphaka was supposed to play a pivotal role in the three-match ODI series.Having a quality left-arm pacer is a rare commodity nowadays, and Maphaka provided just that to his side. Moreover, he had the pace to trouble the Australian batters, but now the side needs to change their bowling combination in his absence.Will Lizaad Williams get game time against Australia?With Ngidi, Maphaka, and Rabada all ruled out vs Australia, Lizaad Williams may get a place in South Africa’s ODI playing XI.The Proteas have a depleted bowling attack, and Williams’ ability to nip the ball both ways could come in handy on the South African pitches that provide pace, bounce, and movement.Hence, the incoming pacer might get a game against Australia, as the hosts have limited options available in their bowling attack.Also Read: South Africa's ODI Record At Kingsmead Durban Ahead of 1st Match vs Australia, 2026