South Africa loses four fast bowlers to hamstring injuries before Australia ODI series

South Africa’s preparations for its ODI series against Australia have suffered another blow, with Kwena Maphaka becoming the fourth fast bowler to be ruled out with a hamstring injury before the first ball is bowled.

Maphaka suffered a right hamstring strain during training and has been withdrawn from all three ODIs. Cricket South Africa said the 20-year-old will undergo further assessments to establish the full extent of the injury.

Lizaad Williams has been added to the squad as his replacement and is expected to join the team on Wednesday.

Maphaka’s injury adds to a growing list of absentees in South Africa’s pace department. Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi had already been ruled out of the series after suffering hamstring injuries.

The quartet’s withdrawals have significantly altered South Africa’s bowling options from the squad originally selected for the three-match series.

The Proteas now have little time to finalise their attack, with the opening ODI against Australia scheduled for Thursday in Durban. The second match will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday, followed by the series finale in Potchefstroom next Wednesday.

Published on Sep 23, 2026