New Delhi, August 19 (H.S.) : South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International series against Australia after sustaining an ankle injury, just an hour before the opening clash in Cairns on Tuesday.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the development, revealing that a scan conducted on Monday showed swelling in Rabada’s right ankle. As a result, the 30-year-old fast bowler has been withdrawn from the series. CSA’s statement added, “Rabada will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas’ medical staff.”

In his place, left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka has been drafted into the squad. Maphaka, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the recently concluded T20 series against the Aussies, won’t feature in the series opener but is available for selection in the remaining matches.

Rabada’s absence is seen as a significant blow to South Africa’s pace attack, which now looks to younger options to fill the void.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar