Ahead of their ODI series against Australia, South Africa has suffered yet another injury setback, promising fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is out due to a right hamstring strain sustained during training. On September 23, 2026, Lizaad Williams was officially announced as his replacement.
The hosts’ terrible run of pace bowling injuries is prolonged by Kwena Maphaka’s departure. Prior to this most recent development, hamstring issues had already kept Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, and Lungi Ngidi inactive. On September 12, Baartman’s injury was confirmed, and Duan Jansen was chosen as his replacement. On September 18, Ngidi was replaced by Nqobani Mokoena.
The hosts’ terrible run of pace bowling injuries is prolonged by Kwena Maphaka’s departure
South Africa won’t have much time to settle their pace attack before the series starts because the three ODIs are scheduled for Durban on September 24, Johannesburg on September 27, and Potchefstroom on September 30.
Williams is one of the more seasoned possibilities available given the current situation. He made his ODI debut in 2021 and has earned eight caps at that level. He has an advantage over some of the other freshly drafted substitutes in the team because of his international experience.
Only four ODI caps are held by Jansen and Mokoena, who replaced Baartman and Ngidi, respectively. South Africa is mostly depending on bowlers with little recent experience in the 50-over format because Gerald Coetzee, another pace option in the squad, hasn’t played in an ODI since November 2023. Williams’s involvement is a sensible decision given the situation because of his familiarity with foreign conditions.
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A South Africa XI will play Australia in a two-day practice match on October 3 and 4 following the conclusion of the three-match ODI series. Then, on October 9, Durban will host the first Test of a three-match series. On October 18, Gqeberha will host the second Test, and on October 27, Cape Town will host the third Test.
Ahead of the tour’s Test phase, South Africa is still keeping an eye on Rabada and Ngidi’s fitness, although neither bowler has been given a confirmed return date. Below is a list of the complete revised ODI squad.
South Africa full ODI squad for the Australia series
Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duan Jansen, Marco Jansen, Nqobani Mokoena, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams.
