The three-match ODI series will be followed by a Test series against the Baggy Greens, before South Africa welcomes Bangladesh and England for further international assignments.

However, the Proteas’ preparations for the opening ODI have been dealt another blow, with young left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Bloemfontein born-and-bred Gerald Coetzee - Cricinfo

Maphaka’s withdrawal means South Africa are now without four frontline fast bowlers, with Kagiso Rabada, Ottniel Baartman and Lungi Ngidi also sidelined.

Lizaad Williams has been called into the squad as Maphaka’s replacement, while the Proteas can still call on Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen and Duan Jansen to provide firepower with the ball.

For captain Temba Bavuma, who is also set to make his long-awaited return to the ODI side, losing another fast bowler is far from ideal.

With a new drop-in pitch awaiting the teams at Kingsmead, as well as the usual Durban conditions to consider, the Proteas know they will have to adapt quickly.

“We definitely have to adapt – KG and Lungi are not guys that you can just replace at the drop of a hat,” said Bavuma.

“We look into the depth that we have within our fast-bowling resources and we call upon those guys to come in and play a role. A guy like Lizaad will definitely play a role there.

Kwena Maphaka - Cricinfo

“Whether we had our best bowling attack or not, we wouldn’t want to be putting any extra pressure on what is already there.

“I think the guys that have come in are super capable. Not to take anything away from the bowling attack that plays tomorrow, there’s a lot of confidence that the rest of the team and I have in them.

“It’s about us adapting, and we’ll see what the best XI is that we can put forth, considering the conditions.

“But, yes, we don’t have everything that we have, but in true South African fashion, we’ll have to make it work.”

Temba Bavuma - Cricinfo

With so much attention on the depleted bowling attack, Bavuma stressed that the batters will also have a major role to play.

A strong total could take some of the pressure off an inexperienced or reshuffled attack, particularly if the conditions prove favourable for batting.

“We, as batters, always know we need to give the bowlers something to bowl to or defend,” said Bavuma.

“This probably calls on us to be a little bit more ruthless. If there’s an opportunity to get a score over 350, we will do so.

“I think there’s a strong desire to look after our ODI record of late and ensure that we’re putting our best foot forward out there on the field.

“For me, it’s been a super long break, so just to be out there again, running around, chasing after the balls with the guys, that’s something that I look forward to.”

The first ball of Thursday’s opening ODI between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead is scheduled to be bowled at 10:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport