South Africa vs Australia — Match Centre

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, no run, good call from Breetzke.

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, no run, good shot, but finds cover. Bavuma leans onto the front foot and drives the half-volley

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Breetzke, 1 run, just short of a yorker on middle, driven straight to mid-on and the duo scamper for a quick single. They make it home in time

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, 1 run, pushed wide of cover. The fielder dives to his left, misfields and allows the duo to get across for a single

Nathan Ellis to Temba Bavuma, no run, excellent lines and lengths from the Aussies today. Another good length delivery outside off, Temba Bavuma lets it go to the keeper

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, no run, defended off the back foot to cover to a good length delivery outside off

FOUR! Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, , good shot. Allows the ball to come closer and punches the back of a length delivery outside off wide of point. Races away in this fast outfield. Much needed boundary for South Africa

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, no run, this time Breetzke is right behind the line. Defends the length delivery wide of Hazlewood

\nB1$ 5 \nB2$ 26 \nB3$ 41 \nB4$: 3 \nB5$ 8.66 \nB6$: 63.41

Josh Hazlewood to Matthew Breetzke, no run, This was clearly going over the stumps. Hazlewood gets it to nip into Breetzke sharply on off-stump. Breetzke looks to defend and gets beaten on the inside edge

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, no run, good length delivery on middle, Temba Bavuma stands tall and blocks it to mid-wicket

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, leg byes, 1 run, too straight and Bavuma misses the flick. The ball hits the pad and rolls to the left of diving keeper. The duo sneak in for a leg-bye

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, no run, fuller in length on middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it to the on-side. Straight to square leg

FOUR! Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, , touch fuller than the previous delivery. Temba Bavuma gets under the ball and pumps it over covers. He was desperately looking to get going. This boundary should give him some confidence

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, no run

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, no run

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, no run, angled across the right-hander, Temba Bavuma looks to poke and gets beaten on the outside edge

Australia continue to have two slips.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, leg byes, 1 run, Hazlewood gets it to nip into the right-hander and beats the inside edge. The ball hits the back flap and a loud shout for LBW. Nothing from the umpire and Australia take the review. Replays show the ball was going over the stumps and Bavuma survives the scare

Was that going over the stumps? Hits Temba Bavuma high on the back flap. UltraEdge spots nothing. Wickets missing and the original decision stays.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, no run, peach of a delivery from Josh Hazlewood. Beats the outside edge as Temba Bavuma looks to defend a length delivery. This one angles in a straightens just enough to beat the edge

Two slips in place for Bavuma.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Temba Bavuma drops his bat and allows the ball to sail over

Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock, 1 run, in the channel outside off, Quinton de Kock drops it in front of cover for a quick single

Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock, no run

Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock, no run, width on offer from Starc. Quinton de Kock rocks on the back foot and cuts it straight to backward point on the bounce

Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock, no run, little bit of shape for Starc. Pitches it well outside off and gets it to move further away. de Kock covers the line and shoulders arms

Australia marches out onto the pitch right after the anthems. The umpires then walk out, followed by the South African openers. With Ryan Rickelton sloted into the middle order, Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi walk out to open the batting. Two slips in place for Starc, who has the new cherry in hand. Will he get some movement early on? Looks bright and sunny. Here we go..

The players are walking out to the pitch with mascots for the national anthems. Australia's anthem will play first, followed by South Africa's and then the action begins.

[On the conditions and whether the wicket could be similar to the Gabba] Would be very timid. But yeah, it’s been really nice so far and hopefully the wicket is pretty similar to the Gabba. [On his experience playing in South Africa for the first time] Yeah, it’s been really good. Getting immersed in the culture over here, trying as many braai's as possible. But yeah, it’s really nice coming over here, very passionate cricketing nation. Excited to be in Africa and then in Zimbabwe and then come over to South Africa. [On batting at number four after moving around the order] It’s a different opportunity for me depending on the conditions and the format. So yeah, just taking it each game as it comes, really enjoying the different role compared to the red ball opening the batting. So yeah, really enjoying it. [On the importance of the tour ahead of the World Cup] I think it’s just understanding the conditions over here, getting a taste of international cricket in South Africa in white ball cricket. I’ve done a few times in Test cricket, but yeah, see what they bring to the white ball game for me. [On his off-spin and the possibility of bowling on the tour] Yeah, very filthy. But yeah, potentially, depends on what the opportunity beckons. But yeah, it’s a very tight, try model myself on Graeme Swann, but it’s probably a lot different skill set to him.

[On the importance of starting the series well against Australia] Yeah, massive. And it's important. We always want to start well. I think any series you start, or any match for that matter. But we often talk about setting the tone, and there'd be no better opportunity to do that than a match against Australia at home for the first time in two years. So we're really excited about that. [On the disruption caused by injuries, particularly among the fast bowlers] It's obviously disrupted, not ideal. And we've got to just find solutions. It's pointless going into knee-jerk reactions and causing some panic. But I'd like to think we're putting some systems in place to be preventative. But it's disruptive, but we've got to find a way. And I think that's what's been the hallmark of the side, is that we manage to find a way, and I certainly hope that's going to be the case going forward. [On the importance of the nine ODIs before next year's World Cup] There are a few positions maybe we talk of, or combinations I prefer that we can look at. And then whenever we can build capacity and build depth and continue to build that depth, then so be it, yeah. We've got nine ODIs this year. We've probably got a couple leading up to the World Cup as well that needs to be confirmed. It's like minor adjustments. If we don't know what the majority of our squad's going to look like now, then I don't think we're ever going to know. [On losing experienced players such as KG and Lungi, and whether the younger bowlers might feel exposed] Yeah, I think that's the route we prefer to go and that's what we look at, the opportunity. I think everybody can highlight what the problems are, but a wonderful opportunity, and when we get through today, I think it's going to stand us in a really good stead.

[On the importance of bowling the right lengths] Yeah, I think it’s very key. As you perhaps mentioned, that touch fuller, I think we spoke about a little bit of moisture in the surface, so we might see the ball being a little bit spongy. So more bounce will be coming on initially. So it’s important that you bring that top of off into play. So for me, as a bowler on this surface, yes, you might have to gamble with that one, where you almost invite the batter to play drives off you, because that’s where you need to get them to not. [On the role of spin and Durban’s changing conditions] Absolutely. I think when there’s moisture in the surface, when the ball grips for the seamers, I think we will see a bit of grip for the spinners. I think the key thing for me is that a bowler like Keshav (Maharaj) will probably be key on this surface because he gets one to grip and he gets one to skid and it’s so difficult for batters to make an adjustment to a bowler like Keshav and I think good decision to bowl first. Two new balls, I think it’s going to be effective. It’s going to be hard work initially and I think that advantage definitely lies with the team that’s won the toss and that’s Australia.

There is a stiff breeze that’s coming across the ground, going towards the scoreboard and towards the sea and I think that’s the real issue that the captains and the batters and the bowlers will have to think about. It’s only 52 meters there, plus the breeze taking it to that short boundary. So they have to be clear about the plans. [On the pitch conditions after recent rain and Australia’s decision to bowl] As far as the pitch goes, there’s been a lot of rain in Durban over the last few weeks. So if it’s a little bit underdone, maybe a bit soft underneath, I wouldn’t be surprised and that was why I wasn’t surprised when Mitchell Marsh wins the toss and decides morning game, maybe a little bit soft underneath. He’ll have a bowl first. [On the pitch having a green tinge and the expected conditions for South Africa] Look, there’s a beautiful green tinge to it, so I’m not surprised that Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first. I do foresee the first day, especially in the morning, is going to be tough from a South African perspective. So the batters will have to leave well, they’ll have to get themselves in, but I do foresee this surface will get better as the day progresses. [On the bounce and how the surface could suit the batters] I think with the grass, there won’t be space and bounce and that’s something that is obviously really ready for when it comes to this format with the ball coming onto the bat.

(Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj

(Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis(w), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

[On the preparation] I think it’s my first ODI game here at Durban. Look, the weather wasn’t too favourable. So we tried to make the most of it. I think if the toss had gone our way, probably would have bowled first. We know in the morning here, probably there'll be more swing, maybe a little bit slower wicket. But yeah, we’ll have to adapt as well as we can. [On the injuries and replacements in the bowling attack] We've had to dig into our resources. Our bowling resources, opportunity for the guys who are going to have to come in and fill those shoes. We like to just do with what we have. I’ve full confidence in the guys who will be stepping in. It’s still a long way [the 2027 World Cup]. We obviously understand what the core kind of looks like in terms of the team. There are a couple of spots that are up for grabs.For us, it’s about gaining momentum, getting into that.

We're gonna bowl first. Obviously an early start. There were a lot of positives from that (Zimbabwe) tour. (On Cooper Connolly) He's a great kid, he's a super talent. It's always great to have those guys (experienced pacers) back.

On the other hand, Australia will be without regular captain Pat Cummins for today's game - having been rested for the Zimbabwe leg of the tour, he arrived late and is set to sit this one out. With 3 Tests coming up after the ODIs and with crucial WTC points up for grabs, the Test specialists were anyway supposed to be rotated throughout the ODI series. Cameron Green missed the Zimbabwe ODIs with a shoulder injury and could be back, replacing Alex Carey. We're in sunny Durban for the tour opener and the forecast predicts dry conditions. Kingsmead has served up some spinner-friendly pitches in the recent past, but the early season start could mean some help for the pacers as well. Toss and team sheets coming up shortly..

It's an early start to the South African cricket summer and it's a bumper summer indeed for the rainbow nation. Over the next four months, they'll play eight Tests, nine ODIs, and three T20Is, in addition to the 2027 edition of SA20. It all starts today with the ODI series against reigning World champions, Australia. With the 2027 50-over World Cup barely a year away, preparations for the tournament start right here for both teams. Australia is fresh from a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe a few days ago while the home team has enjoyed a long break (with a second string squad featuring in the T20I tri-series and ODIs in Namibia). However, the hosts' camp has seen a spate of injuries, depleting their bowling resources. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka and Ottneil Baartman were all sidelined with hamstring injuries while a recurrent back injury rendered Nandre Burger unavailable. That has left their bowling attack wafer-thin. Marco Jansen will lead the attack which consists of his brother Duan, Corbin Bosch, the returning Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams.

\n\nCall it what it is — a hamdemic. Or should that be Hamaggeddon? Whichever, on Wednesday Kwena Maphaka was ruled out of the squad for the ODI series against Australia that starts at Kingsmead on Thursday. As were Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Ottneil Baartman before him. The denominator common to all four cases? Hamstring injuries.\n\nLizaad Williams replaced Maphaka — whose calamity CSA announced on Wednesday — and seems likely to get a game on Thursday. Williams is a willing and able seamer, but the home side will miss Maphaka’s left-arm zip. Especially with 192 ODI caps — the combined ODI experience of the ill-fated four — ripped from the equation.\n\nThis being South Africa, where a fast bowler or three can be found around any braai fire, the problem is not as acute as it would be elsewhere. Many teams wouldn’t mind a first-choice pace attack of Marco and Duan Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Gerald Coetzee, all of whom are in the squad. But the point is that four of the finest, who were in the original squad, are no longer.\n\nSo cricketminded South Africans will be forgiven for focusing on a happier angle. Like David Miller. He has scored seven ODI centuries but only the Australians have been at the receiving end of as many as three of them. On top of that Kingsmead is the only ground where Miller’s hundred lightning has struck twice.\n\nThe Australians are intent on player rotation during the ODIs to keep their squad fresh for the Test series that starts at the same ground on October 9, or nine days after the last white-ball game. So Pat Cummins, the appointed Test and ODI captain, will likely play only one of the three ODIs. That means Nathan Ellis, the leading bowler in either team in the ODI series in Zimbabwe last week — which didn’t involve Cummins — with nine wickets for 112 at an economy rate of 4.45, becomes the lynchpin of Australia’s attack.\n\nSouth Africa have reeled off series victories in their last five bilateral rubbers against Australia. But the home side have finished on the right side of things in only half of their last 10 completed ODIs at Kingsmead.\n\nBoth teams have won four of their last five completed ODIs. Then again, let’s not get too excited considering six of those 10 successes were achieved against minnows Zimbabwe and Namibia.\n\nThe start of the 2027 World Cup, which will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, is still more than a year away. Even so, this series is an important piece of the puzzle both teams will want to complete before the tournament. For the Australians it’s about banking knowledge about the likely conditions and the quirks and characteristics of three of the World Cup match and warm-up game venues. The South Africans, who have never won a World Cup, will want to measure themselves against opponents who know how to do so. They should considering that they have claimed the trophy six times; at least three times more often than any other team.\n\nB1$ Thursday, September 24, 2026; 10am local/8am GMT/1.30pm IST\n\nB2$ Kingsmead, Durban\n\nB3$ A pleasant day - 25 degrees Celsius and some cloud cover, which could mean swing. And little chance of the rain that frequently bedevils cricket in Durban. Totals of at least 300 have been scored in the 47 ODIs played here. Kingsmead has seen 23 centuries and four five-wicket hauls, all by seamers.\n\nB4$\n\nB5$ Gerald Coetzee could play his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup semi-final against Australia at Eden Gardens, where he bowled his heart out in vain. Aiden Markram will be in a dressing room for the first time in almost two months — he left The Hundred early for personal reasons — and might be given the day to reacclimatise.\n\nB6$ Tony de Zorzi, Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma (capt), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Lizaad Williams.\n\nB7$ Pat Cummins is set to sit this one out as the visitors look to manage their resources going into the Test series. That means Mitchell Marsh will captain. Cameron Green could return to action after missing all three ODIs the Aussies played in Zimbabwe this month with a shoulder problem.\n\nB8$Mitchell Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Olivier Peake, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc.\n\nB9$\n\n“We want teams, when they come here to South Africa, to know that they’re going to have to deal with our fast bowlers. That’s part of our DNA. You need those guys fit and ready to go. So we have to adapt. KG and Lungi are not guys you can replace at the drop of the hat.” — Temba Bavuma wonders where his next injured fast bowler might come from.\n\n“Every time [Mitchell Marsh] has had to take on the captaincy in white-ball cricket he’s been up to task. He’s got great respect from the group, and [he’s] a guy you want to play for and play with. So [it’s not a problem] if Pat decides not to captain in the games he plays here — that’s for those two to work out.” — Mitchell Starc tells cricket.com.au that Australia’s flip-flopping captaincy won’t be an issue.

Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Matthew Breetzke, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Nqobani Mokoena, Bjorn Fortuin, Ryan Rickelton, Duan Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lizaad Williams

Squad: Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Olivier Peake, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Xavier Bartlett, Pat Cummins