The road to the World Cup 2027 already began; South Africa vs Australia renewed its one-day rivalry in Cairns. Where the recent T20 series were with eyes set on next that global event, these three ODIs are the initial steps to the start of the 50-over tournament set to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
The two teams have a deep history in ODI with the most recent encounter coming during the 2023 World Cup in India when South Africa beat Australia during the group match but lost to Australia in the semi-final. Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Heinrich Klaasen retired since then, creating vacuums that have to be filled in the journey ahead.
The Australian team has been reconstituted through injuries, with Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, and Matt Kuhnemann making their debuts; the team will be captained by Mitchell Marsh and features the return of Marnus Labuschagne, who will seek to rebound into global performances. In the case of South Africa, Temba Bavuma will lead, and there will be a veteran seamer in the form of Keshav Maharaj. Child Dewald Brevis, who grabbed attention during the T20Is, will make his ODI debut.
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Australia can switch their pace attack with Josh Hazlewood likely to miss at least a match. Nandre Burger can join Rabada and Ngidi to make up the hosts, whereas Mulder and Stubbs can be applied as all-rounders.
Conditions were likely to balance matches since there was likely to be dew that would contribute towards the second innings and bowlers are likely to find a grip. The numerous fans are eager to watch yet another vintage match between South Africa and Australia as the match has just kept shaping the future of ODI matches.
