Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: AP |
It didn’t look like we would get to this point, but here we are.
After a second underwhelming batting performance in this series by Australia, to go with a disappointing effort in the Pakistan T20Is recently, an unassailable 2-0 series lead for South Africa looked on the cards. But, amid all the negativity surrounding Cricket Australia and lack of public accessibility to this series, the Australians displayed the fight and never-say-die attitude that this country has come to get used to over the years to get the job done in Adelaide.
For South Africa, the Adelaide ODI was one that got away. Their batting again is under the microscope, so too their ability to win the pressure moments, which is something they must address between now and the World Cup in May and June.
Who will take out the series decider in Hobart?
Australia captain Aaron Finch and his bowlers walked out onto Adelaide Oval with the attitude that they were simply not going to let South Africa win. Their score of 231 seemed 40-50 runs short on a good batting strip, but the Australian pace attack showed its worth, choking the South Africans right throughout the innings thanks also to Aaron Finch’s fantastic, attacking captaincy. In what has been a tough 2018, a series win will do very nicely. Will the Aussies deliver the goods again?
South Africa travel to Hobart wondering how they aren’t 2-0 up in the series. Their bowlers were superb again, and even though they let Australia get to 231 from a position of 204/9, it always felt a very reachable target. However, as was the case in their recent series against Zimbabwe, South Africa’s batting was underwhelming, characterised by a number of unconverted starts. In the end, they were choked out of the game, and need to step up in Hobart if they are to take the series.
Key to a Australia win
In Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Australia have a pace trio that can strike fear into any opponent. However, what is encouraging is that even though Starc wasn’t quite at his best in the 2nd ODI, Marcus Stoinis delivered a brilliant, passionate spell of bowling that supported the main three.
A cohesive bowling display gives Australia their best chance of victory, given South Africa’s batting issues of late. This also includes Adam Zampa, who needs to keep the pressure on the opposition, after he was short of form in Adelaide. The early wicket of Quinton de Kock, as well as the key wickets of Faf du Plessis and David Miller highlight the importance of these three to the Proteas batting effort. Can they get the better of them in key moments again?
However, Australia can’t afford to play with the fire that is another underwhelming batting performance. That is now seven times in their last eight ODIs that Australia have been bowled out. Like South Africa, Australia’s batting order was filled with unconverted starts, which showcased the lack of balance in the team currently. T20 specialists dominate the side, and need to understand the slight adjustments required in the 50 over format. Can the top order provide another promising start, but this time backed up with greater substance?
Key to a South Africa win
Like Australia, South Africa’s bowling attack holds the key, which makes the 3rd ODI another shootout between the pace attacks.
Kagiso Rabada was at his wicket taking best, not perturbed by Chris Lynn’s onslaught, highlighting the gem South Africa have. Dale Steyn has been in irresistible touch in this series, and the Proteas will want the same from him, as well as more from Lungi Ngidi, who had an off day in Adelaide. But, like Australia, the all rounder was brilliant with the ball in Adelaide. Can Dwaine Pretorius repeat his efforts from the second ODI to continue on from the work of the front line bowlers? Will South Africa once again push Australia onto the back foot?
Also, there is little doubt as to the importance of South Africa’s top six. Their longish tail was exposed in the 2nd ODI, putting more onus on the specialist batsmen to get in and make use of their starts in the 3rd. Each of Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller reached double figures, with only Miller reaching 50. Can the Proteas put together the batting effort they have been searching for?
Possible XIs
Blundstone Arena has small boundaries, and the cool conditions (as well as Adam Zampa’s nervous showing in Adelaide) could prompt Australia to play an all-seam attack. If that is the case, Nathan Coulter-Nile would come in for Zampa, which will be harsh considering Zampa needs matches under his belt to thrive.
Australia possible XI: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Travis Head, 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Chris Lynn, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins, 10. Adam Zampa/Nathan Coulter-Nile, 11. Mitchell Starc
South Africa could stick with the same team that fell short in Adelaide.
South Africa possible XI: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Aiden Markram, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. David Miller, 7. Dwaine Pretorius/Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Dale Steyn, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Imran Tahir
Dream11
It was a
decent Dream11 outing in the 2nd ODI, finishing in the top 10% in the league. However, a few tiny adjustments need to be made to finish higher! Below is my team with a few pointers.
- Alex Carey’s maturity and composure in pressure situations this series has been terrific.
- Aaron Finch is due a large score, and Faf du Plessis and David Miller in particular look in good touch.
- Shaun Marsh and Aiden Markram both have the potential to bat long.
- Marcus Stoinis makes my side, not only due to his looks. His batting and bowling potential makes him a good pick.
- Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada make up my bowling attack.
Stats and Facts
- In the top seven of both sides in the 2nd ODI, there were a total of 11 double figure scores, but only one was converted to fifty.
- Australia ended a seven match losing streak with their win in the second ODI. Interestingly, their previous ODI win in 2018 also came at Adelaide.
- Australia’s total of 231 in Adelaide is the highest score South Africa have conceded in their last five ODIs. The other four scores: 117, 78, 228 and 152.
Prediction
Hoping for another good game in the 3rd ODI.
I
went with my heart in picking Australia in Adelaide, and I will do the same again in Hobart. Australia bat a little deeper, which could be key again, backed up with a strong bowling attack.
The challenge will be to back up the big effort on Friday with another on Sunday.
I think they can. Australia to win the series 2-1.
Thanks for reading!
