South Africa have suffered another injury setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with Kwena Maphaka ruled out after sustaining a right hamstring strain during training.
The fast bowler will undergo further assessment to determine the extent of the injury. Meanwhile, seamer Lizaad Williams has been called up as his replacement and will join the squad on Wednesday (September 23), a day ahead of the opening ODI in Durban.
Maphaka’s withdrawal adds to a growing list of South African fast bowlers dealing with injuries. Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the series earlier after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for the Titans, joining Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman, who were also sidelined by hamstring problems.
Nandre Burger has been managing a back issue, and Lutho Sipamla is another fast bowler affected by injury.
The three ODIs will be played on September 24 (Durban), September 27 (Johannesburg) and September 30 (Potchefstroom). This will be followed by a three-Test series.
