The Australia-South Africa ODI series, comprising three matches, commences on Tuesday, August 19, at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns. The teams come from a close T20I series where Australia won 2-1, claiming victory in the final over. The ODI format presents a different dynamic, especially for Australia, which is grappling with numerous setbacks.
Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns was the location for the T20I series finale and has a limited history of hosting ODIs. The stadium last hosted a three-match ODI series in 2022 when New Zealand played Australia.
Historically, batting has been difficult at this venue. The highest team score in the five ODIs held here is 267, and the highest successful chase is 233. The pitch tends to favor seamers with early swing, making run-scoring challenging, particularly in the early overs.
With the pitch characteristics and past match outcomes in Cairns, the strategy of winning the toss and batting first appears to be the more advantageous approach. Teams have found chasing under lights difficult, owing to inconsistent bounce and a lack of grip for spinners in the later innings.
Both captains will be mindful of these conditions, and an early accumulation of runs could prove pivotal in achieving a win.
Australia enters the ODI series against South Africa in a phase of transition, dealing with retirements and injuries that have weakened the team. The recent retirements of experienced players such as Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have left a vacuum in leadership and experience, and injuries to Matt Short and Lance Morris, as well as Mitchell Owen’s concussion during the second T20I, have further compounded their issues.
With Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also unavailable, Mitchell Marsh will captain the Australian team. In contrast, South Africa arrives with almost its complete squad, aiming to maximize its stability and depth. Captain Temba Bavuma returns, with David Miller being the only notable absentee due to his involvement in The Hundred. The Proteas boast a robust batting unit, including Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, and Ryan Rickelton. Kagiso Rabada leads the pace attack, and they have backup from all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch, giving the visitors a well-balanced and strong team.