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South Africa are all set to host Australia in a three-match T20I series starting from Wednesday (August 30). As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates this showdown, all eyes are on the Australian team, which will be led by Mitchell Marsh on the highly-anticipated tour.
It is worth mentioning that Australia are coming to South Africa following a triumphant Test season where they clinched the World Test Championship title and drew the Ashes 2023 in a neck-to-neck competition with England.
With a successful campaign in the longest format, the Aussie side will now be determined to shift their focus to the T20Is, where they will be up against the Proteas team. The tour will also see the captaincy debut of Australia’s season all-rounder Marsh as the young leader has been entrusted with the leadership responsibility considering next year’s T20 World Cup. by the Australian management.
On the other side of the pitch, South Africa will be led by Aiden Markram. Interestingly, both Marsh and Markram have previously led their respective nations to U-19 World Cup glory.
Although Australia will be missing the services of a few prominent players like Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and others, this doesn’t seem to faze the team’s winning hopes as they boast a well-rounded and power-packed squad with the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa.
Australia’s top-choice XI for the T20I series against South Africa
Openers and Middle Order
In the form of Matthew Short and Josh Inglis, the opening duo of Australia promises to provide a solid start to the side. Both batters are known for their explosive batting styles and have the ability to score runs quickly. Short will be making his T20I debut in the series, while Inglis has the decent experience of representing Australia in nine T20I matches.
Apart from his phenomenal batting, Inglis can also keep the wickets and will be the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Australian team in the series. Meanwhile, Head, David and Matthew Wade are the reliable middle-order batters for the Aussie side and will play a key role in stabilizing the innings during the middle overs.
All-Rounders
The Aussie team has two of the best all-rounders in their team, with their captain Marsh leading the charge accompanied by Stoinis. Both Marsh and Stoinis have the ability to change the course of the game with their dynamic all-round abilities. The two can provide quick runs and pick up crucial wickets with their medium-fast bowling.
Bowlers
In the bowling department, experienced Jason Behrendorff will spearhead the world-class seamers in the form of Abbott and Ellis. Abbott will be a key component of the fast-bowling attack with his fiery pace, whereas Ellis will play a role with his variations and death-bowling skills.
Zampa will be the team’s lone spin wizard. Zampa is known for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs and can put pressure on the batters.
Australia’s best XI for the T20I series against South Africa:
Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (wk), Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff
Australia’s T20I squad for the South Africa series:
Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Wade, Ashton Turner, Jason Behrendorff
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