South Africa have been handed a major setback ahead of their upcoming home season, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia. Rabada picked up a hamstring injury around ten days ago and will not recover in time for the ODI leg of Australia's tour, which begins next month.
The bigger problem for South Africa is whether Rabada will be fully fit before the Test series gets underway. The first Test is scheduled for October 9, and Rabada will have less than six weeks to complete his rehabilitation.
“Rabada’s winter training programme has been disrupted after he sustained a right hamstring injury during training earlier this week. He is currently being monitored by the Proteas medical team and will undergo further assessments,” the CSA said in a statement.
CSA further stated that Rabada’s availability for the Test series will be determined on the basis of progress through rehabilitation.
“Kagiso Rabada is currently progressing through the early stages of his rehabilitation from a right hamstring injury under the close supervision of the CSA medical team. He will miss the three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled from September 24 to 30. His availability for the 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," the statement read.