Rabada Out of AUS vs SA ODI Series Due to Ankle Injury

New Delhi, August 19, 2025: A significant blow has been dealt to the South African cricket team as their key fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia. The news was confirmed following a medical scan, which revealed inflammation in his right ankle. The series, which is being played on Australian soil, is already underway, with the first match having commenced in Cairns.

The injury, which was sustained after the final T20I match, was identified after the player complained of discomfort. A scan was undergone by the 30-year-old on Monday, and the extent of the inflammation was confirmed by the team’s medical staff. It has been decided that Rabada will not be sent home but will instead remain with the squad in Australia to receive rehabilitation and supervision from the Proteas’ medical team. This decision is said to have been made to ensure his recovery is managed effectively under the direct care of the team’s specialists.

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In Rabada’s absence, a replacement has been sought, and the young left-arm seamer, Kwena Maphaka, has been added to the ODI squad. The 19-year-old, who was not initially included in the 16-member squad, has been rewarded for his impressive performance in the preceding T20I series. He was the leading wicket-taker in that series, having claimed nine wickets in three games, and his inclusion is seen as a promising move for the future of the Proteas’ pace attack.

The loss of Rabada is a major setback for the South African side, as he is considered to be a cornerstone of their bowling attack. His experience and ability to take crucial wickets in all formats of the game will be sorely missed. The South African team, which is also without Marco Jansen who is recovering from a thumb injury, will now have to rely on a pace attack led by Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger, with support from the newly-added Maphaka and all-rounders like Wiaan Mulder.

The three-match ODI series is a crucial part of the Proteas’ preparation for the upcoming international cricket schedule. With the team having lost the T20I series 2-1 to the hosts, a strong performance in the ODIs is being looked for. The team’s captain, Temba Bavuma, has also made his return to the side after recovering from a hamstring injury, and a renewed sense of confidence is being felt by the team with his leadership.

The series is being watched with great interest by cricket fans around the world. The first ODI is being played in Cairns, with the remaining two matches scheduled to be held in Mackay. The absence of a player of Rabada’s calibre will undoubtedly be felt, and the South African team’s resilience will now be tested as they are forced to adapt to this significant and unexpected change. The series is still expected to be highly competitive, with a strong challenge being put up by both teams.