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[VIDEO] Australia vs South Africa: 5th ODI cricket live scores, highlights, blog

23rd November, 2014
Time: 2:20pm (AEDT)
Venue: SCG
TV: Nine Network
Steve Smith has been in average form against the white ball. (AFP PHOTO/ MARWAN NAAMANI)
Roar Guru
23rd November, 2014
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9235 Reads

Despite the series being over, after Australia’s three wicket win on Friday, both teams have plenty to play for in this final match of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Join The Roar for a live blog of the final one day match from 2:20pm (AEDT).

With the World Cup just around the corner, this is the last match for South Africa in Australia before the tournament begins.

The Proteas play one match in Sydney during the tournament as they take on the West Indies on February 27 during the group stage.

Today’s match provides the perfect preparation for that encounter in the Cup. It will also be a chance to bounce back after losing the game on Friday that they should have won.

At one stage the Proteas had Australia at 5/98 in the match after making 267 in their innings. Australia would then score 2 for 170 in the last 25 overs to win the match.

A combination of good Australian batting, and poor field placings from the South Africans, cost them the match.

They will be looking to respond today and end the tour on a high note. On the other hand, Australia also has plenty to play for, despite winning the series on Friday.

A win today, and a 4-1 series victory, would replace India at the top of the ICC One Day rankings on Monday.

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It would be the perfect way to lead into a series involving that nation next month. The Aussies will also be playing for momentum over South Africa heading into next year’s World Cup.

To beat the Proteas 4-1 in the series would give them plenty of confidence if they meet South Africa again in the latter stages of the Cup next year.

Heading into the final match of the series, both teams will make changes, as they have done throughout the season.

From match thee to four of the series, both teams made four changes, as each team rested players. Expect the same today.

For Australia, they will have one eye towards the opening test against India on December 4. Shane Watson, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and David Warner could all be rested as they all prepare to potentially play for Australia in that test.

Some might still play but it will be interesting to see what the selectors decide for the final match.

One person who is missing for the match is Nathan Coulter-Nile.

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The Western Australian injured his hamstring in the last match and will miss today’s clash.

South Africa will also make changes today. Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, who missed on Friday, are expected to return for the final match of the series.

This could create a rest opportunity for Dale Steyn, who has played all four matches for the Proteas in this series.

South Africa could also make changes to the middle order which again failed to fire on Friday. Rilee Rossouw could play again after missing game four on Friday.

There is also a doubt over AB De Villiers after he injured his ribs while fielding on Friday. He is expected to play but he could also be rested as South Africa prepare for their home series against the West Indies.

Today’s match is the 13th between the two at the SCG. Australia holds the advantage winning 8 of the 12 matches so far.

In the last match played between the two at the SCG, South Africa won by 3 wickets.

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South Africa will be hoping to repeat that performance today by bowling better in the final ten overs and getting more runs from their middle order.

Australia on the other hand will be hoping to continue their form from the last two games. They will also be hoping for Steve Smith to continue his form as well.

Despite the series being over, it promises to be another closely fought match, as both teams chase an important victory.

Join The Roar for live score and commentary from the final one dayer off the series.

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