Rabada's Injury Hits South Africa at ODI Series Opener

Cairns (Australia), Aug 19 (AP) South Africa suffered a significant setback as fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was sidelined with an ankle injury just as the ODI series against Australia commenced on Tuesday. The news emerged as the Australians, buoyed by a recent 2-1 T20 series triumph, won the toss and chose to field in Cairns for the first of the three-game series.

This ODI marks the first face-off between the two teams since Australia triumphed over South Africa in the 2023 World Cup semifinals. Their anticipated match-up in the Champions Trophy earlier in March was unfortunately abandoned due to rain.

South Africa handed ODI debuts to hard-hitting Dewald Brevis and versatile allrounder Prenelan Subrayen. Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma made his comeback, having not played since he captained South Africa to victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's.

Kagiso Rabada underwent scans that revealed inflammation in his right ankle. Despite his injury, Rabada will remain with the squad in Australia to undergo rehabilitation. Kewena Maphaka, who was the standout wicket-taker in the recent T20 series, was brought in as Rabada's replacement but did not feature in the playing eleven for the opening ODI.

On the Australian side, Marnus Labuschagne made his return after being dropped from the recent Test series in the Caribbean. In a tactical move, Australia included Alex Carey as a specialist batter, allowing Josh Inglis to don the wicketkeeper's gloves.

Lineups:

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi. (AP)

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