South African Star Bowler Ruled Out of Australia One-Day Internationals

by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath

image South African Star Bowler Ruled Out of Australia One-Day Internationals
The South African national cricket team has suffered a major blow, with star pacer Kagiso Rabada set to miss out on the team’s upcoming ODI series against Australia. Cricket South Africa confirmed that Rabada sustained a hamstring injury and could also miss their Test series against the Baggy Greens next month.
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CSA Confirm Rabada Ruled Out For ODIs With Hamstring Injury 

Kagiso Rabada has officially been ruled out of South Africa’s three-match ODI series against arch-rivals Australia next month and is now facing a race against time to recover for their three-Test series against the same opponents, which we will be covering in our cricket predictions​​​​​​. 

The Proteas star pacer suffered a hamstring injury last week and has just under six weeks to regain full fitness ahead of the opening Test. The series against the Aussies marks the start of a busy home summer for South Africa, which includes as many as eight Tests. 

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not revealed the exact nature or severity of Rabada’s injury, but they have confirmed that he is expected to remain sidelined for at least another four-and-a-half weeks. The 30-year-old is also absent from the T20I squad currently touring Namibia. CSA’s official statement read: 

"He will miss the three-match One-Day International series against Australia, scheduled from 24-30 September. His availability for the three-match Test series against Australia will depend on how he progresses through his rehabilitation, with a decision on his selection to be made closer to the series."

South African great and Rabada’s domestic bowling coach Allan Donald provided his input on the injury, suggesting that the player could be sidelined for up to 10 weeks. That timeframe would make Rabada’s participation in the Test series extremely unlikely.

With Rabada out for the ODI series, South Africa are likely to rely heavily on Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch, with Kwena Maphaka, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder providing further options. There could also be a route back into the Test side for Anrich Nortje, who is currently playing in the ETPL. 

South Africa vs Australia: ODI and Test Series Schedules 

ODI Series Schedule

1st ODI: September 24, 2026 - Durban (Kingsmead)
2nd ODI: September 27, 2026 - Johannesburg (Wanderers)
3rd ODI: September 30, 2026 - Potchefstroom (Senwes Park)

Test Series Schedule

1st Test: October 9-13 - Durban (Kingsmead)
2nd Test: October 18-22 - Gqeberha (St George’s Park)
3rd Test: October 27-31 - Cape Town (Newlands)