Stand-in skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bat in the second ODI against Australia on Friday, as South Africa looked to wrap up the series.
Regular captain Temba Bavuma was rested for this game as part of workload management. Cricket South Africa confirmed he will return to lead the side in Sunday’s final ODI. Bavuma, who had injured his hamstring during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June, showed no discomfort in the series opener but was advised by the medical team to sit out the second game.
South Africa also dropped off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who was reported for a suspect action on his ODI debut in Cairns. Tony de Zorzi came in to open in Bavuma’s place, while all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy replaced Subrayen.
Australia made one change, resting Ben Dwarshuis and bringing in pacer Xavier Bartlett after their 98-run loss in the first match.
Playing XIs:
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
