Williams replaces Maphaka as SA's hamstring crisis intensifies
Kwena Maphaka joins a long list of hamstrung South Africa quicks • Namibia Cricket
South Africa's pace-bowler injury crisis has intensified on the eve of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with Kwena Maphaka ruled out with a right hamstring strain. Maphaka is the latest quick to be laid low by a hamstring issue, joining Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi on the injured list.
Lizaad Williams has been brought into South Africa's squad as a replacement for Maphaka.
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South Africa's fast bowling wears a distinctly inexperienced look thanks to the hamstring crisis. Their options for the series now comprise first-choice allrounders Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch as well as Gerald Coetzee - who last played an ODI in November 2023 - Duan Jansen and Mokoena - who have four ODI caps between them - and Williams - who has played eight ODIs since his debut in 2021.
More worryingly, South Africa continue to sweat on the availability of Rabada and Ngidi for the three-match Test series that will start on October 9.
The three ODIs will be played in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom on September 24, 27 and 30. The Australians will then face a South Africa XI in a two-day tour match on October 3 and 4, before the Test series commences in Durban. The second Test begins in Gqeberha on October 18, and the third in Cape Town on October 27.
Updated South Africa squad for Australia ODIs
Temba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duan Jansen, Marco Jansen, Nqobani Mokoena, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams.
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