Maphaka ready to lead South Africa pace attack if Rabada misses Tests

Young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has declared himself ready to lead South Africa's pace attack if senior spearhead Kagiso Rabada is unable to recover from a hamstring injury in time for the Test series against Australia. Rabada injured his right hamstring during training and has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia scheduled for September 24 to 30. His availability for the three-Test series beginning October 9 remains uncertain and will depend on his rehabilitation progress. Maphaka, 20, expressed confidence in his ability to step into a more prominent role if required. "I really hope that KG Rabada is back in time. But if that doesn't happen, it's one of those things where somebody has to step up, and if that's me, I'm really confident in my abilities," Maphaka said. He pointed to his prior experience leading bowling attacks for the Lions and the South Africa Under-19 team as preparation for such a responsibility. Despite having played only two Tests, with his debut on January 3, 2025, against Pakistan and his most recent appearance on June 28, 2025, against Zimbabwe, Maphaka has demonstrated his ability across formats.