Proteas rocked by Kagiso Rabada injury, Dewald Brevis and Prenelan Subrayen handed ODI debuts

THE Proteas were dealt a late blow prior to the first ODI against Australia in Cairns on Tuesday when Kagiso Rabada was forced to withdraw due to inflammation on his ankle.

The fast bowler has subsequently been ruled out of the three-match series after undergoing a scan that confirmed the extent of the injury. Rabada will remain in Australia to undergo his rehabilitation. 

Kwena Maphaka was added to the Proteas ODI squad on Monday and therefore no replacement will be flown over. Maphaka was the leading wicket-taker across both teams in the recent T20I series against Australia. 

The teenage paceman was, however, not included in the Proteas’ playing XI for the first ODI with Dewald Brevis and off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen being handed ODI debuts. 

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to insert the Proteas. 

“We will be bowling first. The wicket looks dry and spin did play a part in the last T20I. No real expectations, just execute and enjoy playing and winning for Australia. No real surprises for us - Marnus and Carey is back in the XI,” Marsh said at the toss.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma admitted they also wanted to bowl first. 

“Yeah, we would have bowled first as well, that's what the stats say, but we'll need to bat well first,” Bavuma said. 

“We've got Brevis and Subrayen in today, quite excited at seeing what they can do. We'll want to play according to the conditions and want the guys to enjoy playing.”

TEAMS FOR FIRST ODI

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

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