The last time South Africa and Australia played an ODI game was in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final. The latter triumphed, both in that game and, eventually, in the final. It is interesting that ODI encounters now are either part of a multi-national tournament or used to pave the way for one. The 2027 World Cup edition still has almost the same amount of time left as has passed since the previous, but teams know better than to waste any of the already scarce opportunities they get with the format.
The bigger question for the two teams would be how they will go about filling the void left by the retirements of some of their blockbuster players. Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell retired from ODIs, and Heinrich Klaasen from all white-ball formats, a few months ago. This is why the squads have several new faces, waiting to audition for a permanent spot before the mega event inches closer.
Team Overview:
Australia had to make a few changes to their initial squad because of injuries. Matt Short, who is recovering from a side injury, Mitchell Owen, who was ruled out of the series after a concussion in the second T20I, and Lance Morris, who reported back soreness before the start of the tour, were replaced by Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, and Matt Kuhnemann. The side will be led by Mitchell Marsh, in the absence of Pat Cummins, who, along with Mitchell Starc, will sit this tour out as well. Although Josh Hazlewood is part of the squad, Australia might not be too keen on tiring him when good options like Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Aaron Hardie are present. Marnus Labuschagne has been added to the squad and will have a crucial task in proving himself for the Ashes.
Australia have come to the conclusion that both Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are indispensable, and so the ODI leg will see both featuring in the side. Inglis will take the gloves, while Carey will play as a specialist batter only.
For South Africa, Temba Bavuma will lead the side, playing his first game since lifting the Test mace at Lord’s. With Klaasen retired and David Miller playing in the Hundred, Dewald Brewis is set to make his ODI debut to bring firepower to the middle order. Keshav Maharaj has also returned and could be seen forming the bowling attack with pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada and rookies.
Head-to-Head Matches:
South Africa and Australia have crossed swords in 110 ODI games to date. Out of these, the Proteas have won 55 matches, while Australia follow closely behind with 51 wins. Four games ended without a result.
Weather and Pitch Report:
South Africa and Australia were supposed to play a Champions Trophy game earlier this year as well, but rain ruined the plans. This time, however, Cairns will have no such threats looming. The surface had plenty for the batters to work with in the last T20I, though the bounce was not as consistent as they would have liked. The toss winning captain will look to bowl first, with dew likley to play a role in the second innings.
Prediction:
Matches between Australia and South Africa are usually intriguing, and it is hard to say which team is definitively superior. However, Australia’s depth and experience might give them the edge this time.
Where to watch:
Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports, Foxtel
South Africa: SuperSport Action, SuperSport Grandstand, SuperSport Cricket
Pakistan: Tapmad
India: Star Sports, JioCinema
UK: BT TV
USA: Willow TV
