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Australia will begin their three-match ODI series against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on September 24. The series is part of Australia’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with several established names returning to the squad for the South Africa leg after missing the preceding series against Zimbabwe.
Australia completed a 3-0 ODI series win over Zimbabwe, but the South Africa challenge is expected to be considerably different. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc return to the ODI setup for this leg, while Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are also back after missing Australia’s earlier 50-over assignments.
The first ODI will also be an important opportunity for Australia’s younger players. Cooper Connolly has impressed at No. 3, while Oliver Peake, Joel Davies and Matthew Renshaw remain in contention for places in the middle order. With Marnus Labuschagne omitted from the squad, Australia’s batting combination could continue to evolve ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Here is Australia’s predicted playing XI for the opening ODI against South Africa:
Travis Head is expected to return to the top of the order after missing Australia’s previous ODI series. The left-hander remains an important part of Australia’s white-ball plans because of his ability to attack from the beginning of an innings.
Head’s aggressive approach can put pressure on South Africa’s new-ball attack, particularly if conditions at Kingsmead offer some early movement.
Mitchell Marsh should open alongside Head and lead the Australian side. The all-rounder has been named captain for the ODI campaign and returns after missing the earlier 50-over series.
Marsh provides Australia with another powerful batting option at the top while also offering useful medium-pace bowling if required.
Cooper Connolly has been one of the most interesting developments in Australia’s ODI setup. Cricket Australia has identified him as a potential long-term No. 3 after consecutive half-centuries during the recent Zimbabwe series.
His ability to build an innings while maintaining scoring momentum makes him a strong candidate for the crucial first-drop position.
Josh Inglis is expected to take the wicketkeeping duties and bat in the middle order. He enjoyed a productive ODI series against Zimbabwe and has increasingly become an important part of Australia’s limited-overs plans.
His aggressive strokeplay gives Australia the option to accelerate during the middle overs.
Cameron Green could slot into the middle order as Australia’s key pace-bowling all-rounder. His presence gives the team flexibility with both bat and ball and provides additional depth to the lineup.
Green’s ability to contribute in multiple phases could be particularly useful in the opening match of the series.
Alex Carey is likely to feature as the second wicketkeeping option while adding experience to the middle order. His ability to play according to the match situation makes him a valuable stabilising presence.
With Australia possessing several aggressive batters, Carey could be tasked with ensuring the innings retains structure if early wickets fall.
Matthew Renshaw has strengthened his case during the recent Zimbabwe series and could retain his place in the XI. Cricket Australia noted his productive performances during the three-match series.
The left-hander can provide Australia with another batting option while also adding flexibility to the overall combination.
Adam Zampa should lead Australia’s spin attack in Durban. The leg-spinner remains Australia’s principal limited-overs wicket-taking option and will be expected to control the middle overs.
Against South Africa’s strong batting lineup, Zampa’s ability to break partnerships could prove particularly important.
Pat Cummins is set to return to Australia’s ODI team for the South Africa leg after being rested from the Zimbabwe series.
The captain’s pace, accuracy and experience make him a natural leader of the bowling attack. His return should add considerable depth to Australia’s seam department.
Josh Hazlewood is another experienced quick expected to feature. His ability to consistently hit good lengths and extract movement makes him especially useful with the new ball.
The Kingsmead conditions could provide an interesting challenge for Hazlewood, who will be looking to exploit any assistance available from the surface.
Mitchell Starc completes the predicted XI. The left-arm quick has been named specifically for Australia’s South Africa leg after sitting out the Zimbabwe ODIs.
Starc’s pace and ability to swing the new ball give Australia a potent three-man pace attack alongside Cummins and Hazlewood.
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc
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