South Africa faces a setback ahead of the ODI series against Australia, as right-arm medium pacer Ottneil Baartman has been sidelined due to a left hamstring injury. The three-match series is set to commence on September 24 in Durban. Baartman’s absence will impact South Africa’s bowling lineup as they prepare to face a strong Australian team.
Duan Jansen to Join South Africa Squad in Durban
Duan Jansen has been appointed as a replacement player and will join the South African squad alongside his brother, Marco Jansen. The team is scheduled to assemble in Durban on September 19, as confirmed by Cricket South Africa on Sunday.
CSA, however, will take a call on his availability for the three-Test series closer to its start on October 9. The Proteas have named a 16-member squad last week, which was as close to their available full strength as possible. The squad also sees the return of Gerald Coetzee, who last played an ODI in the 2023 World Cup, as he fills in the void left by Rabada, who is out of the ODIs and racing to be fit for the Tests due to his hamstring injury.
Baartman is the second player to miss out on the series after Kagiso Rabada was also made unavailable for the ODIs with a hamstring concern. Regular captain Temba Bavuma is back, while senior batters David Miller and Quinton de Kock are also part of the ODI series. Meanwhile, swashbuckling batter Dewald Brevis is not part of the squad as he will be preparing for the Test season, with him featuring in first-class cricket. Aiden Markram will be available for the second and third ODIs.
