'Somebody has to step up' - Kwena Maphaka ready to lead SA's attack if Kagiso Rabada misses Australia Tests
The 19-year-old left-arm fast bowler expressed confidence in his abilities ahead of the Test series starting October 9.
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Kwena Maphaka has expressed his readiness to shoulder the responsibility of leading South Africa's fast bowling attack if Kagiso Rabada is unable to recover from his hamstring injury in time for the Test series against Australia. Rabada suffered the injury during winter training and has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia scheduled for September 24 to 30 in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom. His availability for the three-Test series beginning October 9 remains uncertain and will depend on how he progresses through his rehabilitation.
The 19-year-old left-arm fast bowler spoke about his prospects and the possibility of stepping into a more prominent role if the senior pacer is unavailable. Maphaka has played only two Tests for South Africa, with his debut coming on January 3, 2025 against Pakistan and his most recent appearance on June 28, 2025 against Zimbabwe. Despite his limited Test experience, the youngster has demonstrated his ability at international level across multiple formats.
"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 as quoted by ICC.
Rabada ruled out of Australia Tests with hamstring tear
Leadership experience and confidence
Maphaka's confidence stems partly from his prior experience leading bowling units in domestic and age-group cricket. He has captained bowling attacks for the Lions and South Africa's under-19 team, giving him exposure to leadership responsibilities at different levels. His international career began in the T20I format on August 23, 2024 against West Indies, followed by his ODI debut on December 19, 2024 against Pakistan.
"I've led a bowling attack before with the Lions, with South Africa under-19 and I've been in the Proteas for a little bit now. So yeah, I'm really confident in my abilities," Maphaka said.
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Consistency work across formats
The young bowler has worked extensively on improving his consistency across formats. He acknowledged that while he performed decently in T20 cricket, he recognised the need for significant development in the longer formats. His focus has been on refining his run-up and, more importantly, on hitting his areas with greater consistency.
"The biggest thing for me was really working on my consistency. I was decent in the T20 format, but there was a lot of work to do in the longer formats that would also help in T20s," Maphaka said.
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World Cup ambitions at home
Maphaka's early career has included notable performances at youth level. As a 15-year-old at the 2022 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies, he played three of South Africa's six matches and took seven wickets at an average of 18.28 with an economy rate of 5.56.
He views the home tournament as a significant opportunity and hopes to establish himself as a regular in South Africa's pace attack by that time. The prospect of playing in front of home crowds in a World Cup holds special meaning for him given his previous experience at youth level.
"I've had the opportunity to play a home Under-19 World Cup, something that a lot of people haven't been able to do. That experience and being able to play in front of home crowds would be really special to do a second time round," Maphaka said.
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