Australia
South Africa
Australia and South Africa turn their attention to the 50-over format as the three-match ODI series kicks off this Tuesday in Cairns. After edging the visitors 2-1 in the T20S, the Aussies will be eager to extend their dominance under stand-in skipper Mitchell Marsh.
On the other side, Temba Bavuma’s men arrive with a point to prove, looking to rebound strongly after falling short in the high-energy T20 battles.
With both sides eyeing crucial momentum ahead of a busy international calendar, the series promises a fierce contest between bat and ball.
Marnus Labuschagne is reliable in ODIs and capable of anchoring the innings.
The betting tip is...
Player to Score 50+ Runs - Marnus Labuschagne
60 %
40 %
AustraliaSouth AfricaAustralia enter the ODI series with a well-rounded squad that blends experienced internationals with emerging talent. At the top, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and skipper Mitchell Marsh offer a mix of stability and aggressive stroke play. Head had a quiet T20 series, but the longer format suits his game and he’ll be keen to make an impact here.
The middle order looks settled with Marnus Labuschagne’s composure alongside Alex Carey’s reliability behind the stumps. Adding depth, Cameron Green brings firepower in the later overs, capable of shifting gears quickly with his big hitting.
With the ball, Josh Hazlewood’s precision alongside Ben Dwarshuis’ left-arm angle should provide early breakthroughs. Nathan Ellis, who impressed in the T20S, is expected to back them up with his variations through the middle overs.
For spin, Adam Zampa remains the key weapon, supported by Matthew Kuhnemann, giving Australia plenty of options to apply pressure.
Predicted Lineup: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann
South Africa arrive in Cairns eager to reset their ODI form after coming up short in the T20 series. Recent performances in the format have been mixed, with a Champions Trophy semi-final exit and a winless tri-nation series in Pakistan highlighting their struggles. This series gives them a chance to find stability and momentum.
The batting unit will need to step up, and skipper Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and Ryan Rickelton are key to laying a strong platform. Dewald Brevis adds the X-factor after his stunning 41-ball century in the T20Is, and with the ability to build longer innings, he will carry plenty of expectations. Wiaan Mulder, fresh from his record-breaking 367* in Tests, and Matthew Breetzke, who already has two big scores in as many ODIs, provide further depth and firepower.
With the ball, Kagiso Rabada leads the pace attack, supported by Corbin Bosch, whose sharp seam movement could be a threat in Cairns.
Keshav Maharaj brings balance with his steady left-arm spin, offering South Africa control and wicket-taking options in the middle overs.
Predicted Lineup: Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger
Australia head into the series with better form, home advantage, and a more settled XI, which tilts the balance in their favour. South Africa have exciting talents like Brevis and Markram who can turn a game on their day, but their recent ODI struggles make them hard to trust.
Expect Australia to edge the opening clash in Cairns, with Adam Zampa’s spin and Travis Head’s return to form likely to be decisive.
