South Africa have been dealt a setback ahead of their opening One Day International (ODI) against England at Headingley, with pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada ruled out due to a lingering ankle injury. Team management confirmed that while Rabada remains part of the touring squad, he has not been cleared to play the series opener, with medical staff advising caution to safeguard his long-term fitness.
The injury, sustained during South Africa’s recent ODI series win in Australia, has left the 30-year-old fast bowler battling inflammation in his right ankle. Though not considered serious enough to threaten his participation in the rest of the tour, the decision was made to rest him from the first game to avoid aggravation. Rabada’s absence is a significant blow, given his experience and reputation as South Africa’s go-to bowler in crunch situations, particularly with the new ball and at the death.
It’s not just Rabada missing from the Proteas lineup. Top-order batsman Matthew Breetzke is also unavailable after suffering a hamstring niggle in Australia. Meanwhile, 19-year-old quick Kwena Maphaka, hailed as one of the brightest prospects in South African cricket, will also sit out as the team carefully manages his workload. Additionally, David Miller remains absent from the ODI setup due to his commitments in The Hundred, although he is expected to rejoin the squad for the upcoming T20 leg.
In Rabada’s absence, South Africa will rely on the pace trio of Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Corbin Bosch to shoulder the bowling load, supported by all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. The spin department will be led by Keshav Maharaj, while captain Temba Bavuma will look to the likes of Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, and Ryan Rickelton to provide the runs. It’s a balanced squad, but undeniably weaker without Rabada’s strike power.
England, fresh from a competitive summer, will see this as an opportunity to press home their advantage against a slightly depleted South African side. The Proteas, however, have built a reputation for resilience, and their batting lineup—bolstered by youth and power—could still trouble the hosts if it fires collectively.
The decision to rest Rabada highlights a growing trend in international cricket: managing workloads over maximizing appearances. With a long calendar ahead, including three T20 Internationals against England and further commitments leading up to the Champions Trophy, South Africa are unwilling to gamble with the fitness of their key strike bowler. Resting him now may pay dividends when the team needs him most later in the season.
Still, Rabada’s absence is keenly felt. His presence often lifts the team’s energy, and his ability to turn matches with bursts of wickets has been one of South Africa’s biggest assets. For younger bowlers like Burger and Bosch, however, this match offers a chance to step into the spotlight and prove they can deliver at the highest level.
As the Proteas walk out at Headingley, they’ll be without their talismanic quick. Whether the rest of the squad can rise to the challenge will determine how competitive South Africa are against a full-strength England in this much-anticipated opener.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025