In a highly anticipated start to the international cricket season in South Africa, Australia have decided to bowl first at Kingsmead, Durban, under the leadership of Mitchell Starc. The match marks the beginning of a nine-match series, including upcoming Tests and T20Is, as preparations ramp up for next year’s World Cup.
The teams met under clear skies on South Africa’s Heritage Day—a public holiday celebrating cultural diversity. Expecting a good turnout, it’s the first men’s ODI here since a washed-out encounter against England in February 2020.
Australia’s squad sees some strategic changes, with Jack Edwards stepping into the spotlight to make his ODI debut. The seam-bowling all-rounder fills in for skipper Pat Cummins, who is resting, while Cameron Green makes a return after missing the Zimbabwe series due to a shoulder issue. Green replaces an out-of-form Alex Carey, although how much he will bowl remains uncertain. Oliver Peake misses out, allowing Josh Hazlewood to return after being rested previously.
South Africa, dealing with a shortage of key bowlers, has opted for a spin-heavy lineup with two left-arm spinners joining the attack. Gerald Coetzee makes his return to the squad for the first time since the 2023 World Cup semi-final, supported by seamers Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch. Their batting sees a fresh arrangement full of left-handers, with Tony de Zorzi set to open alongside Quinton de Kock, who is committed to playing all ODIs leading up to the World Cup. In the middle-order, Ryan Rickelton accompanies seasoned campaigner David Miller. Captain Temba Bavuma has moved himself up to number three, leaving no spot for Tristan Stubbs, while Aiden Markram is only slated to participate later in the series.
Line-ups:
South Africa:
1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Tony de Zorzi, 3. Temba Bavuma (capt), 4. Matthew Breetzke, 5. Ryan Rickelton, 6. David Miller, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Corbin Bosch, 9. Gerald Coetzee, 10. Bjorn Fortuin, 11. Keshav Maharaj
Australia:
1. Mitchell Marsh (capt), 2. Travis Head, 3. Cooper Connolly, 4. Josh Inglis (wk), 5. Matt Renshaw, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Jack Edwards, 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
The stage is set for an exciting series as both sides look to fine-tune their squads and strategies with the bigger picture of the World Cup in their sights.
