South African fast bowler Ottneil Baartman is dealing with an injury ahead of the ODI series against Australia, raising questions about his participation in the three‑match set slated for September 24, 27 and 30. Baartman was included in the 16‑player ODI squad led by captain Temba Bavuma.
The problem surfaced during the opening round of domestic first‑class cricket while Baartman was representing the Dolphins. After bowling just five overs in their innings‑and‑60‑run loss to the Titans, he was withdrawn and did not bat in the second innings, prompting immediate worry about his fitness. A definitive update on his condition was anticipated on the morning of September 13.
Baartman’s setback comes at a tough juncture for South Africa’s pace battery, with Kagiso Rabada already ruled out of the ODI series due to a hamstring issue. Cricket South Africa has yet to give a recovery timetable for Rabada and will evaluate his availability for the ensuing three‑Test series against Australia, which starts on October 9 2026.
What happened to Baartman during the Dolphins match?
Baartman delivered five overs for the Dolphins in their first‑class clash with the Titans before being pulled from the game. The Dolphins suffered an innings‑and‑60‑run defeat, and Baartman did not return to bat in the second innings, suggesting the injury occurred during or shortly after his bowling stint.
Titans seamer Marco Jansen shone, claiming seven wickets while delivering 28 overs. Fellow ODI squad member Lungi Ngidi also featured for the Titans, sending down 16.3 overs (8 in the first innings and 8.3 in the second). Ngidi departed the field during the Dolphins’ second innings and did not bowl again, introducing an additional fitness concern for South Africa ahead of the Australia tour.
How did other South Africa ODI squad members fare in the opening round?
Despite the injury worries, several other ODI squad members posted solid performances in the domestic first‑class round. Captain Bavuma compiled 91 runs in the first innings and 9 in the second for the Lions versus Boland. Ryan Rickelton notched his 19th first‑class century for the Lions in the same match.
Tristan Stubbs, batting at number three for the Warriors against the Western Province Cobras, made 46 in the first innings and 11 in the second. Kyle Verreynne contributed 45 runs for the Cobras, while David Bedingham added just five runs at number three. Dane Paterson claimed three wickets in the Warriors‑Cobras encounter.
South Africa’s ODI squad for the Australia series comprises: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs.
