The much-awaited three-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa begins on Tuesday, August 19 at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns. Both sides are coming off a hard-fought T20I series that has Australia scrape past South Africa 2-1, clinching the decider as they won in the final over. The picture changes dramatically in the 50-over game, particularly for Australia, who are struggling with several setbacks.
Cazaly’s Stadium Pitch Report
Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns staged the conclusion of the recent series’ final T20I and has had minimal ODI hosting. The stadium most recently staged a three-match ODI series in 2022 when New Zealand visited Australia.
Historically, batting has been tough at this ground. Of the five ODIs hosted here till date, the highest team score is 267, and the highest chase is only 233. The pitch has a tendency to provide early swing to seamers, and scoring runs has not been straightforward, particularly in the early overs.
AUS Vs SA: Toss Strategy
With the type of pitch and previous match results at Cairns, it seems like the better approach would be winning the toss and batting first. Teams have usually struggled with chasing under lights here because the bounce has not been consistent and the grip for spinners late in the innings has not been there.
Both captains will be conscious of these conditions, and such early runs on the board could be vital in establishing a win.
AUS Vs SA: Who’ll Be Dominant?
Australia enters the ODI series against South Africa in a completely transitioned mode, dealing with retirements and injuries that have immensely affected their team strength. The recent retirements of experienced players such as Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have left a leadership and experience vacuum, and injury blows to Matt Short and Lance Morris, besides Mitchell Owen’s concussion during the second T20I, have added to their woes.
With usual stars Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also out, Mitchell Marsh will captain the Australian team. Compared to this, South Africa comes in with virtually their full-strength unit, hoping to make the most of their stability and depth. Captain Temba Bavuma returns to captain the team, with David Miller being the lone important player out because of his involvement in The Hundred. The Proteas have a good batting unit with Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, and Ryan Rickelton, while Kagiso Rabada leads the pace force, and there is able backup from all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch, making the visitors’ side a rounded and a strong unit.
