The thunderbolt struck South Africa’s cricket camp just 60 minutes before the first ODI against Australia in Cairns. Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was dramatically ruled out of the entire three-match series on August 19, 2025, after scans confirmed alarming inflammation in his right ankle. The 30-year-old’s absence torpedoes the Proteas’ plans for redemption against the team that eliminated them from the 2023 World Cup semifinal.

How Will South Africa Fill Kagiso Rabada’s Void Against Australia?

Rabada’s withdrawal forces an urgent tactical overhaul. Cricket South Africa’s medical team confirmed he’ll undergo rehabilitation in Australia but provided no timeline for his return. “He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas medical staff,” stated CSA. This injury couldn’t come at a worse moment: The rivals haven’t played a completed ODI since last year’s World Cup heartbreak, with their 2025 Champions Trophy clash washed out.

South Africa’s response highlighted their youth investment. While 19-year-old Kwena Maphaka—hero of the preceding T20I series with 9 wickets—joined the squad, selectors handed debuts to power-hitter Dewald Brevis and off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen. Captain Temba Bavuma also returned after leading South Africa to their World Test Championship triumph against Australia at Lord’s. Still, Rabada’s experience leaves irreplaceable shoes. His career economy rate of 5.1 in ODIs against Australia (ICC 2024 data) underscores his mastery in containing the hosts’ explosive batting.

Debutants Step In as Australia Seize Early Advantage

Australia capitalized on the chaos, winning the toss and inserting South Africa. Captain Mitchell Marsh’s XI featured two strategic shifts: Marnus Labuschagne replaced underperforming Test batters, while Josh Inglis took wicketkeeping duties from Alex Carey. The pace trio of Hazlewood, Ellis, and Dwarshuis now faces a less intimidating lineup sans Rabada’s firepower.

South Africa’s rejigged top order stumbled early, losing Aiden Markram in the 4th over. While Bavuma’s grit anchored the innings, the untested middle order of Brevis, Stubbs, and Mulder faces immense pressure. The teams’ recent history adds psychological stakes: Australia edged the T20I series 2-1, extending their ODI dominance over the Proteas to 7 wins in 10 meetings (ESPNcricinfo, 2025).

South Africa’s resilience faces its sternest test without Kagiso Rabada’s X-factor in this Australia ODI series. Follow live updates as new heroes emerge in Cairns.

Must Know

Q: How long will Kagiso Rabada be out with his ankle injury?
A: Cricket South Africa confirmed rehabilitation in Australia but hasn’t specified a return date. Similar injuries typically require 2–4 weeks’ rest (British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023).

Q: Who replaced Kagiso Rabada in South Africa’s ODI squad?
A: Left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka, 19, was called up after his T20I series-leading 9 wickets. He didn’t play the opener.

Q: What’s the significance of Rabada missing the Australia ODI series?
A: It denies South Africa their primary strike bowler against a team that eliminated them from the 2023 World Cup. Rabada has 22 wickets in 14 ODIs vs Australia.

Q: Which players debuted for South Africa in the first ODI?
A: Dewald Brevis (batting) and Prenelan Subrayen (spin) earned maiden caps. Captain Temba Bavuma also returned after the WTC final.