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Australia will look to bounce back when they take on South Africa in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, September 27. The visitors trail 0-1 after suffering a 67-run defeat in the opening game at Kingsmead, making the second encounter crucial for their hopes of keeping the series alive.
Australia’s first ODI exposed some issues with their middle-order batting, particularly against South Africa’s left-arm spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin. Despite a flying start from Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, Australia slipped from a strong position to 230 all out while chasing 298. Maharaj claimed 4/20 and Fortuin returned 2/34 as the Proteas completed a convincing victory.
There could be changes to Australia’s XI for the Johannesburg fixture. Pat Cummins, who was rested for the series opener, is expected to return to the side, while Alex Carey could come back after being left out in Durban. Cameron Green struggled with the bat and did not bowl in the first ODI, while Jack Edwards had an expensive ODI debut.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Australia for the second ODI against South Africa:
Travis Head is expected to continue opening the innings. The left-hander made 36 in the first ODI and formed a rapid 90-run opening partnership with Mitchell Marsh.
Head’s ability to put pressure on the new-ball bowlers makes him a key component of Australia’s batting strategy. He will be looking to convert another aggressive start into a substantial score in Johannesburg.
Mitchell Marsh will lead Australia again in the second ODI, with Cummins expected to return to the XI but potentially not immediately reclaiming the captaincy.
Marsh was Australia’s standout batter in Durban, smashing 60 off just 36 balls. His dismissal triggered Australia’s decline, but his explosive start demonstrated the impact he can have at the top of the order.
Cooper Connolly is likely to retain his place at No. 3. The young left-hander looked particularly assured during Australia’s chase and scored 38 before falling to a loose shot.
Connolly has been earmarked as a potential long-term No. 3 for Australia, and another opportunity against South Africa will be valuable as he continues to establish himself in the ODI setup.
Josh Inglis should continue as the wicketkeeper-batter despite managing only eight runs in the opening ODI.
His dismissal to an attempted reverse sweep against Maharaj highlighted Australia’s difficulties against spin. However, Inglis remains an important part of the middle order and is likely to receive another opportunity at the Wanderers.
Matthew Renshaw is expected to retain his position after scoring a useful 44 in the first ODI.
The left-hander looked comfortable during Australia’s chase before being dismissed spectacularly by Marco Jansen. His ability to build partnerships and rotate the strike will be particularly important against South Africa’s spinners.
Alex Carey could return to the XI after missing the series opener. He was left out in Durban despite regularly featuring as a specialist batter alongside Inglis in Australia’s recent ODI setups.
His experience and ability to handle pressure could provide Australia with greater stability in the middle and lower order.
Pat Cummins is expected to return after being rested for the opening match. The Australian captain linked up with the ODI squad ahead of the series and is expected to be brought back for the second encounter.
His return would strengthen Australia’s pace attack considerably and give the visitors another experienced leader on the field.
Mitchell Starc should retain his place after returning to ODI cricket in Durban.
The left-arm quick will be expected to provide early breakthroughs and attack South Africa’s top order with his pace and movement. His experience at the Wanderers could also prove valuable.
Nathan Ellis was one of Australia’s better performers in the opening ODI, claiming 3/57 from his 10 overs.
He had also enjoyed an excellent ODI series against Zimbabwe before travelling to South Africa. His variations and ability to bowl effectively at the death should earn him another opportunity.
Josh Hazlewood is likely to continue alongside Starc and Cummins. He returned to Australia’s ODI XI in the Zimbabwe series and was selected for the first ODI in Durban.
His accuracy will be important on a ground where Australia will want to maintain pressure throughout the innings.
Adam Zampa completes the predicted XI. The leg-spinner is expected to retain his place despite South Africa’s success against Australia’s batting lineup.
Zampa could have a significant role in the middle overs, particularly against a South African side containing several aggressive middle-order batters.
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
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