South Africa and Australia continue their white-ball bilateral engagements with a three-match ODI series that gets underway in Paarl.
The Proteas will be desperate for some success after a lean summer, but the focus will remain on learning and expanding their talent pool.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
First ODI | Saturday 29 February 2020 |Boland Park, Paarl | 13:00
To Win
South Africa 29/20
Tie 35/1
Australia 57/100
South Africa
Rassie van der Dussen and Faf du Plessis will be rested which will test the depth of South Africa’s white-ball batting.
Temba Bavuma is expected to return to reunite with skipper Quinton de Kock in opening the batting. If Bavuma is still nursing his hamstring, JJ Smuts and Janneman Malan could fill in at the top of the order.
David Miller is under pressure to deliver results as the Proteas nominated finisher. Miller has been outstanding in the field, but with the bat, he has underperformed for some time.
The Proteas will likely rotate their seamers throughout the series, and they have also picked two spinners again. Keshav Maharaj has been in great touch, leading the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to the top of the Momentum One Day Cup log.
Australia
Marnus Labuschagne gets an opportunity to play in the land of his birth and continue his rise in esteem in Australia. Labuschagne has quickly become a reliable source of runs for the team if the blasters upfront falter.
Coaches and selectors have backed Matthew Wade despite delivering little in the T20 series. Wade is under pressure though, with the likes of Marcus Stoinis not afforded a spot in the current ODI group.
Mitch Marsh benefits from Glenn Maxwell’s injury and will be eager to get back to his best with both bat and ball.
Australia are likely to continue to play two spinners in their playing XI after Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa impressed in the T20I series win.
Verdict: Australia 57/100
Australia should have the edge over an experimental Proteas XI.
