South Africa vs Australia: Maphaka, Rabada, Ngidi and Baartman will beat each other in the Miss ODI series

South Africa's fast-bowling injury crisis has deepened on the eve of the three-match ODI series against Australia, with 20-year-old Kwena Maphaka ruled out because of a right hamstring strain.

Maphaka sustained the injury during training ahead of the series and has been replaced in the Proteas squad by experienced seamer Lizaad Williams. Williams is expected to join the squad in Durban ahead of the opening ODI at Kingsmead on September 24.

The latest setback means South Africa have now lost four fast bowlers to hamstring-related injuries: Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi and Maphaka. Duan Jansen and Nqobani Mokoena had previously been brought into the squad as replacements for Baartman and Ngidi.

Maphaka becomes latest Proteas casualty.

Maphaka's injury is particularly significant because the young left-arm quick had been part of South Africa's plans for the ODI series against Australia.

Cricket South Africa confirmed that Maphaka suffered the right hamstring strain during preparations for the series and would undergo further assessment to determine the extent of the injury. Williams has subsequently been drafted into the 16-man squad.

Williams brings some experience to an otherwise reshaped pace attack. The Boland seamer has eight ODI appearances since making his international debut in 2021.

Burger and Sipamla add to South Africa's injury concerns.

The Proteas' pace problems extend beyond the four hamstring withdrawals.

Nandre Burger has been managing a back issue, while Lutho Sipamla is also out due to injury. That leaves South Africa with a considerably different bowling group from the one initially expected to face Australia.

With several senior quicks missing, Marco Jansen is expected to carry much of the responsibility in the pace department. Corbin Bosch and Gerald Coetzee are among the other options available to captain Temba Bavuma.

Gerald Coetzee set for possible ODI return.

The series could also provide Gerald Coetzee with an opportunity to return to ODI cricket.

Coetzee has not played an ODI since South Africa's 2023 World Cup semi-final against Australia. His return comes as the Proteas urgently need additional pace options.

The 25-year-old recently gained match practice in a four-day game against Bangladesh A and is now part of South Africa's plans for the Australia series.

Australia arrive with strong pace resources.

Australia enter the series after completing a 3-0 ODI series victory over Zimbabwe. The Australian squad also includes established fast bowlers such as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, giving the visitors considerable pace-bowling experience.

Pat Cummins is Australia's ODI captain and was rested during the Zimbabwe series. Reports ahead of the Durban opener indicated that Australia were managing his workload, while Mitchell Marsh was among the leadership options.

Australia's recent ODI success against Zimbabwe also provided opportunities for several batters, including centuries during the series, while Josh Inglis finished the third match with a century in Australia's one-wicket victory.

South Africa's recent ODI record against Australia

Despite Australia's strong bowling resources, the recent bilateral ODI record between the two sides has favoured South Africa.

The Proteas have won their last five bilateral ODI series against Australia, with the most recent coming in August 2025 when South Africa won 2-1 in Australia. Their previous series victories came in 2023, 2020, 2018 and 2016. Australia last won a bilateral ODI series against South Africa in November 2014.

That historical record provides useful context, although the upcoming series features substantially different squads and circumstances.

Australia series important ahead of 2027 World Cup

The three-match series also comes at an important stage of South Africa's preparations for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will co-host the tournament, which will return to Africa in October and November 2027. The ICC has already announced 12 host venues across the three countries, including eight in South Africa.

For South Africa, the Australia ODIs therefore offer an opportunity to assess players and combinations in the 50-over format before the global tournament.

Heavy international schedule increases workload concerns.

South Africa's fast-bowling injury situation is particularly noteworthy because the Proteas are entering a packed international schedule.

Reports have highlighted a 20-match international programme across the home season, increasing the importance of managing player workloads and maintaining bowling depth.

The Australia ODI series will be followed by a three-Test series beginning in Durban on October 9. South Africa's home programme then continues with further international cricket against Bangladesh and England.