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After the high-octane T20I series between Australia and South Africa, the action now shifts to the ODI leg of the tour. The Aussies, high on 2-1 win over the hosts in the T20Is, will now feature in a three-match ODI series against a deflated Protea side.
Before the start of the series, the host received a major blow with the groin muscle injury to their key pacer Kagiso Rabada. However, the problem for South Africa lies in their batting. They had no answer to the Australian bowling attack, as they were bundled out for 89 and 96 in the two T20Is of the by-gone three-match series.
Although, one must concede that the South African displayed immense character and fight recently, against both England and Australia, to give some hope for the cricket fanatics in the Rainbow Nation.
That said, it is a matter of translating potential into performances under the spirited captaincy of Quinton de Kock, who has to find a way to play Mitchell Starc, losing his stumps on two occasions in the T20I series.
It will be a face-off between the two Richardsons (Jhye and Kane) along with Josh Hazlewood for the third seamer in the Australian side. While Marnus Labuschagne comes in the side at number four in place of Matthew Wade.
The rest of the side is expected to remain the same from the T20I for Australia, with Ashton Agar’s impressive all-round performances adding depth to the squad.
In the absence of Rabada, the likes of Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Beuran Hendricks have to step up their game. Temba Bavuma will add solidity at the top with Captain De Kock.
Fixtures
- 1st ODI, Feb 29, South Africa vs Australia – Boland Park, Paarl
- 2nd ODI, Mar 04, South Africa vs Australia – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
- 3rd ODI, Mar 07, South Africa vs Australia – Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Squads
Australia
Aaron Finch (Captain), D’Arcy Short, Steven Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Alex Carey (Keeper), Matthew Wade (Keeper), Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
South Africa
Temba Bavuma, David Miller, Janneman Malan, JJ Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo, Quinton de Kock (Captain), Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Verreynne, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Beuran Hendricks, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Keshav Maharaj
Telecast Details
India & Subcontinent – Sony Six, Sony Six HD
UK – Sky Sports Cricket
South Africa – SuperSport
USA – Willow TV
Live Streaming: SonyLiv and SuperSport Live
