Kwena Maphaka out of ODIs as Proteas’ bowling woes deepen

South Africa is already under pressure heading into the ODI series against Australia.

The Proteas have confirmed another injury before the first ball is bowled at Kingsmead tomorrow (24 September).

Here are details of the four players who will miss out on the 50-over series and who are set to replace them.

Proteas confirm injury to Kwena Maphaka

The Proteas Men’s official Instagram handle included an update today (23 September).

In that post, the team confirmed that Maphaka had sustained a right hamstring strain during training and would miss the ODIs.

Boland quick Lizaad Williams was named as his replacement and is set to join the squad in Durban today.

Fans have reacted to the news, asking serious questions about player management before the crucial Australia tour.

As things stand, South Africa’s bowling attack is shorter on experience, but certainly not talent.

Four bowlers on South Africa’s injury list

Maphaka is only the latest casualty for the Proteas, with a Test series against the Aussies also looming.

The most notable omission is Kagiso Rabada, who also strained his right hamstring during training in August.

Coach Shukri Conrad provided an update earlier this month, according to the ICC:

“It’s going quite nicely, the rehab and the programs that he’s on. I’d be very surprised if we didn’t see him during the Test series.”

Ottneil Baartman, meanwhile, sustained a left hamstring injury during the first game of the first-class season.

He managed only five overs for the Dolphins against the Titans and did not bat either, as cited by ESPN.

Duan Jansen, who featured for the Proteas in Namibia, has been called up as his replacement.

In the same Dolphins vs Titans game as Baartman, Lungi Ngidi strained his right hamstring.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, he spent part of the game receiving treatment off the field.

20-year-old pace bowler Nqobani Mokoena has since taken Ngidi’s place in the ODI squad.

South Africa vs Australia fixture details

1st ODI: 24 September at Kingsmead Stadium, Durban (10:00)

2nd ODI: 27 September at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (10:00)

3rd ODI: 30 September at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (13:30)

1st Test: 9-13 October at Kingsmead Stadium, Durban (09:30)

2nd Test: 18-22 October at St George’s Park, Gqeberha (10:00)

3rd Test: 27-31 October at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (10:30)

WILL THE PROTEAS HAVE ENOUGH BOWLING FIREPOWER TO BEAT AUSTRALIA?

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