Kagiso Rabada ruled out of Ireland T20Is with ankle injury; doubtful for England Tests

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has ruled out of the upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland with a left medial ankle injury by the Proteas medical team. South Africa team landed in Bristol recently following their triumph in the T20I series against England.

Rabada is one of the leading pacers in world cricket and the Protean star’s injury means that he will also be a doubtful participant for the upcoming three-match Test series against England. The 28-year-old missed the series-deciding T20I against England, and his absence in the red-ball series will be a significant blow for the visitors.

He will continue his medical management and rehabilitation, while his progress will be closely monitored by the medical team in preparation for the Test series, but Cricket South Africa has not offered any time frame for his return.

South Africa will face a stern test against a resurgent English red-ball side, who have rolled over strong opponents like New Zealand and India after some breath-taking batting display under the new regime of Brendon McCullum.

Meanwhile, Lawson Naidoo, the Chairperson of the CSA Board, congratulated the South African team for their historic triumph in the T20I series against England, their first on English soil in 13 years. He commended the team’s character and grit in a tough series and also highlighted the progress of the current side.

“CSA is proud of the character that is prevailing within the team and congratulates them for this win, which is a prelude to more to come. We thank the Team and its management for this stellar victory. The Proteas have written themselves into history by winning an away T20 series against England, a moment we have been waiting for since 2009. This win demonstrates the progress that the Proteas have made and provides a solid foundation for further success in the future,” said Naidoo.