Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Dear Cricket South Africa,
Can we restart the third ODI from the 15-over mark of your innings?
Sincerely,
Australia (or those who were able to see the game).
The on-field performances didn’t do much to improve the mood in Australia’s cricket circles, dominated by the fact that a fifth of the usual TV viewership tuned in. Australia look as confused as a CNN journalist trying to deal with Donald Trump, boasting a side with plenty of T20 specialists, who don’t quite seem to know how to construct an innings.
Take nothing away from South Africa, though, who clicked into gear in the third ODI, completely dominating Australia in the death overs. Hobart is South Africa’s city of late, winning the Test series down under in 2016, and then the ODI series in 2018. As Bimal Mirwani put it, South Africa well and truly walloped the home side in the crunch moments.
In this piece, I will take a light-hearted look at every player’s performance in this series out of ten. If you laugh, let me know. If you don’t, be nice about it.
As always, feel free to leave a comment!

Australia
Aaron Finch: Who is sillier? Skipper Finch for failing to review a high LBW in the first ODI, or me for captaining him in Dream11 every game? Skipper Finch for playing an awful shot in the third ODI, or me for captaining him in Dream11 every game? He did pick up man of the match in Adelaide for a brilliant captaincy display, but it was a largely disappointing series from a key player. 4
Travis Head: Ordinary series. Needs to stamp his claim on an Aussie shirt. The less said the better. 2
Shaun Marsh: “Get him out of the side!” screamed Australia in the UAE. “Thank goodness he’s back!” screamed Australia in this ODI series. With his third ODI century in 2018, Shaun Marsh has truly cemented his place in the 50-over side. 8
Chris Lynn: Chris Lynn’s performances for Australia can be described in a single meme. 4
Marcus Stoinis: Australia’s most encouraging performer in the series, despite a disappointing first ODI. His passion and desire to win must be replicated across the team, where most seemed to be going through the motions. My new man crush. 8
Glenn Maxwell: My relationship advice: Guard against someone who frustrates you as much as Glenn Maxwell frustrates Aussie fans. Waiting for the Big Show to screen in Australian colours. 3
Alex Carey: Australia’s second most encouraging performer in the series. Couldn’t hit the boundaries needed in the third ODI, but he is one Australia could look to utilise higher up the order, thanks to his excellent temperament and accumulation skills. One for the future. 7.5
Mitchell Starc: Impressed in spurts, but like Australia, couldn’t quite sustain it. Will be good for the run. His victory over Quinton de Kock was the highlight. 5.5
Pat Cummins: Another who will be better off for the run. Perhaps bowled better than his one wicket suggests. 5
Nathan Coulter-Nile: Just the one game. Top scored for Australia, and took the brand new ball over Mitchell Starc in Perth, much to the dismay of Aussie fans. 3
Adam Zampa: Lacked confidence and control. Needs more game time to improve. A bit of time with Shane Warne (focusing on cricket, only) will do wonders. 2
Josh Hazlewood: Like his bowling mates, he will be better for the run after showing some decent form in phases. 5
South Africa
Quinton de Kock: Graeme Smith believes Quinton de Kock’s career has stagnated a little, which was fair. The third ODI started with getting hit where the sun don’t shine, and it didn’t get better. Perth was a glimpse at his quality. 4
Reeza Hendricks: In international cricket, if you don’t sort out technical deficiencies, you will struggle. Hendricks’ tendency to play off side deliveries with his front foot going straight down the pitch is something that needs to be addressed. His place in the side is still uncertain for the World Cup. 3
Aiden Markram: When I think of Markram, I think of a runner who completes a lap beautifully, then can’t go past start again. More double figure scores without converting to at least a 50. Twitter stats guru
@imsgshinde put it perfectly.
6.5
Faf du Plessis: Classy captain. Just loves giving Australia a hard time, does Faf. He is free to leave and not come back. A superb series, headlined by a brilliant third ODI century. 8.5
Heinrich Klaasen: Did he play? 1
David Miller: South Africa’s man of the series? Electric in the field, dominating with the bat. Another player Australia will be happy to see the back of! Only blemish was not seeing South Africa home in Adelaide. 9
Dwaine Pretorius: Pretorius proved to be an excellent foil for South Africa’s world class pace attack. Deserves plenty of credit for his five wickets in his two games, rather than launching a tirade on Australia’s batsmen (which I’m tempted to do…). 6.5
Kagiso Rabada: All class. Many fans’ highlight would be Rabada’s third ODI performance, but mine was his comeback against Chris Lynn in Adelaide. 8
Dale Steyn: Ageless. Timeless. Legendary. He may have bowled his last ball in Australia, which is sad considering a legend leaves our shores for good. But, on the plus side, he can’t rip through us anymore. 9.5
Lungi Ngidi: An impressive showing for the most part from a very encouraging prospect. 7.5
Imran Tahir: Not quite at his best, which means his legs weren’t given a huge test given his celebrations. 6
Andile Phuhlekwayo: South Africa’s frontline seamers cause Australia mayhem, then Andile followed up with three. His only appearance of the series. 5
—–
So, congratulations to South Africa.
It pains me to see Australia lose again, but this series gives the selectors important insight into the balance they need to strike with the ODI side with the World Cup looming.
Have anything further to add? Leave a comment!