South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada will not feature in the three-match ODI series against Australia after suffering an ankle injury. The series is scheduled from August 19 to 24 in Cairns, and his absence is a blow to the Proteas.
Scan Confirms Injury Extent
Rabada has inflammation in his right ankle, confirmed by scans conducted on Monday, according to the ICC.
“Proteas Men’s fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia due to inflammation of his right ankle. The 30-year-old underwent a scan on Monday, which confirmed the extent of the injury,” South Africa confirmed in a statement.
“He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas medical staff. The series gets underway with the first ODI on Tuesday, 19 August at Cazalys Stadium, starting at 14:30 local time,” the statement added.
Toss Favors Australia in Cairns
In the opening ODI, Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh opted to bowl after winning the toss at Cazaly’s Stadium.
Marsh said, “We will be bowling first. The wicket looks dry and spin did play a part in the last T20I. No real expectations, just execute and enjoy playing and winning for Australia. No real surprises for us – Marnus and Carey is back in the XI.”
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma remarked, “We would have bowled first as well, that’s what the stats say, but we’ll need to bat well first. We’ve got Brevis and Subrayen in today, quite excited at seeing what they can do. We’ll want to play according to the conditions and want the guys to enjoy playing.”
Playing XIs for First ODI
Australia (XI): Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa (XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
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