Follow UsIn a bizarre move, instead of releasing him to go home, the South African cricket team has decided to keep the injured Kagiso Rabada in Australia, but not play him in the three-match ODI series.
The interesting information was revealed on the morning of the first ODI at the Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns on August 19 (Tuesday).
ESPNcricinfo, in their report, wrote, “Rabada underwent a scan on Monday, which confirmed the extent of his ankle injury. He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the South African medical staff.”
As a result, the up-and-coming star, Kwena Maphaka, highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded three-match T20I series, was added to the Proteas squad for the ODI series.
The 19-year-old Maphaka picked up nine wickets in the three-match series against Australia. Rabada, 30, also played all three matches of the T20I series and bowled 11 out of a possible 12 overs of his quota.
In the first ODI though, Maphaka was not picked as the Proteas decided to go with Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger and Wiaan Mulder as three pacers and Keshav Maharaj and debutant Prenelan Subrayen as the two spinners. Dewald Brevis was the other debutant for South Africa in the match.