AUS vs SA: Here’s why Kagiso Rabada is not playing in the first ODI

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Australia vs South Africa rivalry entered a new ODI chapter on Tuesday at Cairns as the two teams locked horns in the first of three matches in the ODI series. On a bright morning with a forecast high of 27 degrees, Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl first, continuing his preference to chase — a decision he has now made in all 21 games he has captained. While Australia made four notable changes from their last ODI appearance in March’s Champions Trophy semi-final loss, South Africa’s biggest talking point revolved around the absence of their spearhead fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. The 30-year-old has been ruled out of the ODI series owing to ankle inflammation, a blow that reshaped the Proteas’ bowling attack just days before the contest.

Rabada had played a full part in the three-match T20I leg preceding the ODIs, even completing his four-over quota in the third clash at Cairns on Sunday. However, post-match discomfort in his right ankle raised concerns, forcing him to undergo scans on Monday. The results confirmed inflammation, ruling him out of the ODI series to prevent further risk as South Africa eye larger tournaments later in the year.

While injury setbacks are part and parcel of modern cricket, the timing is particularly frustrating for the Proteas. Rabada has been their pace leader across formats, known for his ability to strike with both the new ball and in crucial death overs. His exclusion not only dents South Africa’s chances of keeping early pressure on Australia’s top order but also deprives them of a match-winning option in tight moments. Despite the setback, Rabada will remain with the squad, offering support from the sidelines. Into his place steps 19-year-old left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka, who joins the ODI squad after impressing at junior levels and will serve as a potential like-for-like replacement, though with considerably less experience.

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The first ODI at Cazalys Stadium brought plenty of new faces alongside Rabada’s absence. For Australia, four players returned to the XI who were not part of the Champions Trophy semi-final — Marsh, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Hazlewood — replacing Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, and Tanveer Sangha. Marsh also shoulders added responsibility as captain, with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne anchoring the batting, and Adam Zampa leading the spin department.

On the Proteas’ side, skipper Temba Bavuma rejoined the setup after missing the T20I series, slotting in at No.3, while young sensation Dewald Brevis earned his maiden ODI cap, set to bat at No.5 after a breakout T20 series. South Africa made six changes compared to their T20 line-up, giving opportunities to Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, and Nandre Burger.

The historical numbers favor the hosts at Cazalys Stadium — they’ve never lost an ODI here, winning two against Bangladesh in 2003 and sweeping New Zealand 3-0 in 2022. Still, with a rejuvenated Australian side and a Proteas team experimenting under Bavuma’s leadership, the contest promises intrigue. Yet the absence of Rabada ensures the spotlight will linger on how effectively South Africa’s second-tier pacers cope in his stead against a formidable Aussie line-up.

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

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

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