Australia have several experienced players returning for this series.
South Africa vs Australia | First ODI | Thursday 7 September 2023 | Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein | 13:00
South Africa 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | Australia 72/100
South Africa have named their 15-man squad for the Cricket World Cup which leaves four players in the squad for this series who know they won’t be making the trip to India.
On paper the South Africans could field what looks to be a very strong side for the ODI format but quite a few top order men seem a bit out of sorts at least in the T20 environment.
David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen return to bolster the middle order which might see the likes of Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis miss out.
Among the bowlers Imaad Fortuin and Wayne Parnell missed out on the Cricket World Cup squad but could get their chance to show the selectors what they are missing.
There are several notable returns for an Australian team that will look to ride the wave of momentum from the T20I series whitewash over the South Africans.
The return of all star allrounder Cameron Green could be the most impactful given how much tactical flexibility he affords Australia as a frontline bowler and top order batter.
Mitchell Marsh retains the captaincy of the white-ball tourists despite Pat Cummins also returning to the squad.
David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne are the top order additions while Cummins returns alongside Josh Hazlewood and Ashton Agar and Alex Carey is back to take the gloves.
Verdict: South Africa
Who dares wins and the hosts have every reason to play bold and beat back the Australian invaders.
