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Australia vs Zimbabwe vs South Africa: ODI triangular series preview

26th August, 2014
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Glenn 'Rocks and Diamonds' Maxwell will always bring the surprises. (AAP Image/Mark Dadswell)
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26th August, 2014
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A triangular one day series is how one day cricket should be played, and Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa are going toe-to-toe in Harare over the next week or two.

Five-game series with just two teams playing for a trophy and a possible boost in their positioning on the ever changing rankings table are pointless.

With the World Cup just around the corner, players from all three teams will be looking to show the selectors they have what it takes.

Australia
Australia will be travelling to Zimbabwe without big hitters David Warner and Shane Watson. After a much-needed five-month break, the Aussies will be looking to come away winners.

There has already been an injury scare to come from the Australian camp, with skipper Michael Clarke missing Australia’s opening match against Zimbabwe.

While we’re on the subject of injuries, Phil Hughes has come in for the injured Shane Watson.

Hughes has been in the form of his life with some fantastic knocks in the Australian A tour – including a stunning 204 not out against South Africa A – and has earned a deserved call up to the national squad.

Although better known as a Test cricketer, Nathan Lyon has made a comeback to white ball cricket after close to two years out of the limited overs side.

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All-rounders Ben Cutting, James Faulkner, Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell will all be pushing for a spot in the Australian squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Danger man
Glenn Maxwell is well suited for the limited overs game and has been in great form for Hampshire in the English summer. I’ll be expect a big series from him.

My take
Australia have shown that they can easily beat Zimbabwe. Their main problem will be how they cope against the South Africans.

The squad
Michael Clarke (c), George Bailey (vc), Ben Cutting, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Phillip Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc.

South Africa
After playing a one-off Test match and three one day matches against Zimbabwe – which they won comfortably – the South Africans face a bigger challenge taking on Australia in their opening match on the 27th of August.

Kyle Abbott and Mthonkozisi Shezi will replace injured pace bowlers Vernon Philander and Beuran Hendricks.

Shezi, a left-arm medium bowler, was recently in Australia playing for South Africa A during the Australian A tour, where he impressed by taking 6/42 against the NPS, which led to his international debut against Zimbabwe just a few days ago, taking 1/8 off six overs including two maidens.

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Wayne Parnell and Marchant de Lange are two more bowlers at South Africa’s disposal.

South Africa’s batting has been splendid, with Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock all making the most of their time out in the middle.

Danger man
Hashim Amla has been in top form, with a fine knock of 122 not out in the first ODI of the recent series.

My take
This series is South Africa’s to lose. They conditions are similar to those of their home country and they have had plenty of matches to get their eye in. Plus their top order is outstanding.

Squad
AB de Villiers (c), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marchant de Lange, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Beuran Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Rilee Rossouw, Mthokozisi Shezi.

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe reemerge onto the international cricket scene after years in the wilderness.

After Zimbabwe’s thrashing at the hands of Australia there is little to suggest they can make the final. They will probably be looking to stay competitive and see who will make their squad for the World Cup.

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Zimbabwe batsman Hamilton Masakadza made a gutsy knock of 70 runs before being stumped by Brad Haddin.

Zimbabwe’s top run-scorer in the recent three-match series against South Africa was Elton Chigumbura. The allrounder scored 133 runs at an average of 44.33, closely followed by teammate Sean Williams (123 runs at 41)

Zimbabwe’s bowlers haven’t been great. Brian Vitori has the best average, taking 2 wickets for 57 runs at 28.50 in his only match.

My take
I would be surprised if Zimbabwe manages to record a win in this series, having been comprehensively beaten by South Africa. However don’t write them off.

Squad
Elton Chigumbura (c), Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Hamilton Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Cuthbert Musoko, John Nyumbu, Vusi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor (wk), Prosper Utseya, Malcolm Waller, Tendai Chatara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Timycen Maruma, Shingi Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Tinashe Panyangara, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Brian Vitori, Sean Williams.

Fixtures
Zimbabwe v Australia – 25th of August 2014 – 5:30pm AEST (played – Australia won by 191 runs)
South Africa v Australia – 27th of August 2014 – 5:30pm AEST
Zimbabwe v South Africa – 29th of August 2014 –5:30pm AEST
Zimbabwe v Australia – 31st of August 2014 – 5:30pm AEST
South Africa v Australia – 2nd of September 2014 – 5:30pm AEST
Zimbabwe v Australia – 4th of September 2014 – 5:30pm AEST
Final – 6th of September 2014 – 5:30pm AEST

Follow Lachlan on Twitter @Lachy7Doyle

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