Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.
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South Africa’s fast-bowling stocks have been placed under pressure early on after Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
Cricket SA confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the Proteas spearhead suffered a hamstring strain during his off-season preparation and has now been placed under the close supervision of the medical team to monitor his rehabilitation process.
It remains unclear whether Rabada will be fit for the much-anticipated Test series against the Aussies, with a decision on his selection to be made closer to the series.
The Proteas are scheduled to host Australia for a three-match Test series starting in Durban on October 9, followed by subsequent matches in Gqeberha and Cape Town, beginning from October 18 and 27 respectively.
Although the Proteas beat India 2-0 in their last Test series last November without Rabada — who was ruled out with a rib injury — the 31-year-old is a major part of their attack.
Rabada was central to the Proteas beating Australia in the World Test Championship final when he claimed nine wickets in the match. He was also a central figure during the “Sandpapergate” tour back in 2018 — the last time the Aussies toured South Africa for a Test series.
He also has outstanding overall record against Australia, having taken 58 wickets in 11 games at an average of 21.39.
Furthermore, the Proteas have lost another fast bowler on the current tour of Namibia after Lions seamer Lutho Sipamla suffered a hamstring strain during the opening match of the T20I Tri-Series against the hosts in Windhoek.
Sipamla has been ruled out of the entire series and will be replaced by Dolphins all-rounder Andile Simelane.
Fellow Lions seamer Codi Yusuf has also withdrawn from the South Africa ‘A’ team for the series against their Bangladesh counterparts due to personal reasons.
Titans all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem and Western Province seamer Tshepo Moreki have been included in the South Africa ‘A’ squad.
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