Kwena Maphaka sidelined due to injury ahead of South Africa's ODI series against Australia

South Africa's fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia due to a right hamstring strain sustained during training. Lizaad Williams has been named as his replacement and will join the squad for the series starting September 24 in Durban. The ODI series precedes a three-match Test series set to begin in Durban on October 9, forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The South Africa pace attack will also be missing key players Kagiso Rabada, who is recovering from injury, and Lungi Ngidi, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, making the bowling lineup young and inexperienced. Spin options include experienced players Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin. Rabada remains pivotal and is expected to return for the Test series.