The South African cricket team will be without Kagiso Rabada for the upcoming ODI series against Australia due to an ankle injury. Rabada underwent scans earlier in the week, confirming his inability to participate. He will be focusing on rehabilitation, supported by the South African medical staff. Kwena Maphaka has been brought in to replace Rabada in the squad. Maphaka impressed in the T20I series, where he was the leading wicket-taker, earning him a spot in the ODI squad. The team also has to contend with the absence of Marco Jansen, who is recovering from a thumb injury, leaving Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Kwena Maphaka to spearhead the pace attack.
The first ODI is currently being played at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns. The series follows a hard-fought T20I series won by Australia 2-1. The match at Cazaly’s Stadium has a pitch that historically favors bowlers. The stadium has hosted a limited number of ODIs, the most recent being in 2022. Batting conditions at the stadium have historically proven difficult. The highest score at the stadium is 267, with the highest chase being 233 in the five ODIs hosted. The pitch has a history of assisting seam bowlers, particularly in the early overs of a match.