Bavuma faces pace challenge as South Africa meet Australia

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said his side must manage its remaining seam-bowling resources carefully as it prepares to face Australia in a three-match one-day international series, with several leading fast bowlers unavailable through injury. The series is scheduled to begin in Durban on September 24, with further matches in Johannesburg on September 27 and Potchefstroom on September 30. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka and Ottneil Baartman have been reported unavailable with hamstring injuries, while Nandre Burger is out with a back problem. Their absence leaves South Africa with a less experienced pace group, including Lizaad Williams, Marco Jansen, Duan Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Nqobani Mokoena. Bavuma said the team would need to make the most of its available seam options and manage workloads. He said fast bowling remains a central part of South Africa’s approach, but acknowledged the side would have to adapt to the missing players. The reports do not establish a finalized XI for the opening match. South Africa could also consider its spin options at Kingsmead, where Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin are included in the squad.