Australia to once again face a spin trap against South Africa as they chase chase their fifth straight series win.
Australia set to face another trial by spin but Subrayen won’t play.
Despite being the current ODI World Champions, Australia has not been performing at their best since winning in India in 2023. There are extenuating variables, such as the fact that the club hasn’t played at full strength since starting the transition to 2027 after several significant retirements. They were thrashed in game one in Cairns by an experienced top six and an attack that included two World Cup-winning bowlers, but they have lost six of their past seven completed ODIs.
South Africa, meanwhile, appeared well-prepared with their own transitional squad. With even contributions from the top four and minimal contributions from the formidable combo of Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis on their ODI debut, they posted an outstanding score on a slow surface, negating the batsmanship of retired Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller.
A subpar new-ball spell from Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger was concealed by Keshav Maharaj’s spectacular bowling performance. Despite losing Kagiso Rabada from the series the night before the game, it was still a great effort overall.
The fact that rookie offspinner Prenelan Subrayen had been reported for a questionable bowling action once more marred the victory. Despite being available to participate, coach Shukri Conrad indicated that Subrayen would not play in the last two games. At the conclusion of this ODI series, his action will be independently evaluated in Brisbane.
However, the victory in Cairns puts South Africa one victory away from defeating Australia in a sixth consecutive bilateral ODI series that spans more than ten years.
Australia’s batting will need to improve badly. Six of their ten most recent ODIs have seen them knocked out for less than 200. In their last three home ODIs, they have been knocked out for less than 200, which has never happened in Australia’s history. The players in the top six should be able to perform better than they have in the past, even though the order appears slightly altered and neither Glenn Maxwell nor Steve Smith are there.
After concerns were raised over whether Brevis entered Cairns too late, South Africa’s only batting concern is how to use him most effectively. They will be aware that Maharaj is the trump card, but they would like to make a bigger impression with the new ball to prevent him from bowling to Travis Head, a set left-hander, which he was spared from in game one.