Ottneil Baartman out of 3rd Pakistan ODI as he encountered a problem in his right knee during the second ODI.
Ottneil Baartman ruled out of the third ODI against Pakistan with a right knee problem as South Africa have suffered another bowling injury.
Baartman is the sixth seamer to be out this summer and the second bowler after Keshav Maharaj to have an injury during the ODI series. The others are Anrich Nortje, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, and Gerald Coetzee.
In addition to replacing Baartman in the ODI team, Corbin Bosch, who received his first call-up to the Test squad, is expected to make his Test debut against Pakistan on Boxing Day.
Before Thursday’s second ODI in Cape Town, Baartman felt uneasy during his run-up while bowling. Although he played in the series opener in Paarl two days prior, he was not included in the match-day XI. He then bowled seven overs with 2 for 37 results. Baartman is contracted to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape for the SA20, which will be his next assignment.
While they await Mulder’s fitness, South Africa’s Test plans shouldn’t be impacted by his injury. In the first Test match against Sri Lanka last month, Mulder injured his right middle finger. However, he has since resumed striking balls and was scheduled for a diagnostic on Thursday.
South Africa will be cautious about Mulder’s return, according to Test coach Shukri Conrad, which implies he might not play in the opening Test match at SuperSport Park. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Bosch, and Dane Paterson are all players South Africa might use at that venue, or they could turn to 18-year-old tearaway Kwena Maphaka, who made his ODI debut on Thursday. In the game, which South Africa lost by 81 runs, he took 4 for 72.
South Africa will try to salvage some pride on Pink Day at the Wanderers on Sunday, even if Pakistan has already clinched the series. Before the Champions Trophy the following year, it will be their final ODI with their best team.