South Africa are preparing for a huge summer of cricket. In just over a year, they will host the 2027 ODI World Cup. It will be the first time the tournament returns to Africa in 24 years. So this series against Australia is an important test. Australia are the current World Cup holders. They also know what it takes to win in South Africa, having won the 2003 World Cup there. Both teams will be looking to see where they stand.
The series begins on Heritage Day, a public holiday in South Africa. It is a day for celebrating culture and having a braai. The first ODI is at Kingsmead in Durban. This is just the start. After the ODIs, there will be a Test series.
South Africa have some injury concerns. Four fast bowlers are out with hamstring injuries. They are Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, and Kwena Maphaka. So the team will have to manage its bowlers carefully. They have eight Tests, nine ODIs, and three T20Is in the next four months. Gerald Coetzee is a key player to watch. He has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup semi-final. He has had several injuries, including a groin strain and a torn pectoral muscle. South Africa will want him fit for the busy season.
For Australia, Alex Carey is under pressure. He has not scored a fifty in 11 innings. He keeps getting out in a similar way. He drives on the up and slices the ball to the gully or point. South Africa will have noticed that. Carey needs to play that shot along the ground.
The pitch in Durban usually offers pace and bounce. But this is the first time an ODI is being played in Durban in September. The weather is expected to be dry, warm, and windy. The last full match there, in January 2019, was slow-scoring. It favoured bowlers who used variations.
South Africa have won the last five bilateral series against Australia. The last time Australia won was in 2014. The last time they played in Durban, South Africa completed their second-highest successful ODI chase.
Temba Bavuma spoke about the bowling injuries. He said you cannot replace Rabada and Ngidi easily. He said they will look at their depth and call on others to play a role. He mentioned Lizaad Williams as someone who can step up. He said they will have to adapt and make it work in true South African fashion.
Where to Watch the South Africa vs Australia ODI Series
South Africa and Australia will begin their three-match ODI series on Thursday in Durban. Both teams come into the series after winning their previous assignments 3-0. Australia beat Zimbabwe, while South Africa beat Namibia. The last time these two sides played an ODI series in South Africa was in 2023, when Australia won 3-2.
For fans in India, the first ODI will be shown on Eurosport. The live stream will be available on FanCode. The match starts at 10:00 AM local time in South Africa. That is 1:30 PM IST.
South Africa have several fast bowlers missing. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman are out with hamstring injuries. Nandre Burger is sidelined with a back issue. Kwena Maphaka has also been ruled out with a hamstring strain. Lizaad Williams has replaced him. Aiden Markram will miss the first ODI for personal reasons. Gerald Coetzee could play his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup.
Australia welcome back Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Both were rested for the Zimbabwe series. Jack Edwards replaces the injured Billy Stanlake and could make his ODI debut. Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Adam Zampa are also in the squad. The pace attack may be managed carefully ahead of the Test series.
The ODI series schedule is as follows. The first ODI is on September 24 in Durban at 1:30 PM IST. The second ODI is on September 27 in Johannesburg at 1:30 PM IST. The third ODI is on September 30 in Potchefstroom at 5:00 PM IST.
FAQs
Q. When does the South Africa vs Australia ODI series start?
A. The first ODI is on September 24 in Durban.
Q. How many ODIs will South Africa and Australia play?
A. They will play three ODIs.
Q. Which South African fast bowlers are injured?
A. Rabada, Ngidi, Baartman, and Maphaka are injured.
Q. Who could return for South Africa after the 2023 World Cup?
A. Gerald Coetzee could play his first ODI since 2023.
Q. Where can Indian fans watch the South Africa vs Australia ODI series?
A. Eurosport will show the South Africa vs Australia ODIs, with streaming on FanCode.
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