South Africa and Australia have started their three-match ODI series at Kingsmead in Durban on September 24, 2026. Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl first, with the early conditions expected to offer some movement for the fast bowlers.
The series is also being viewed as part of the teams’ preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Australia Make Several Changes
Australia have brought Mitchell Starc back into the ODI side after he was rested during the team’s 3-0 ODI series win over Zimbabwe.
Cameron Green also returns after recovering from a shoulder issue, while Jack Edwards is making his ODI debut. Josh Inglis replaces Alex Carey as wicketkeeper.
Australia’s XI includes Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa Face Bowling Problems
South Africa are dealing with several injuries in their bowling department. Kagiso Rabada and Kwena Maphaka are among the bowlers unavailable for the series because of hamstring injuries.
South Africa have included Gerald Coetzee, who is returning to ODI cricket, along with spinners Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa’s XI is Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj.
Current Match Situation
At the latest available update, South Africa were 70/2 after 16 overs, with captain Temba Bavuma on 28 and Matthew Breetzke at the crease. Australia had already taken two early wickets through Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis.
The three-match ODI series continues with the second match on September 27 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, followed by the third ODI on September 30 at Potchefstroom.
Main Points
- 1st ODI: South Africa vs Australia
- Date: September 24, 2026
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Australia won the toss and chose to bowl.
- Mitchell Marsh is captaining Australia.
- Temba Bavuma is captaining South Africa.
- Jack Edwards is making his ODI debut.
- Mitchell Starc returns to Australia’s XI.
- South Africa are missing several frontline bowlers through injury.
- The series consists of three ODIs.
- The matches are part of preparations for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
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