Australia vs South Africa: 2014 ODI tri-series live scores, blog

A loss to Zimbabwe was definitely not on Darren Lehmann’s menu before this series began and he will hope Australia can turn things around when they take on South Africa in their last league game of the tri-series in Harare. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEST).

​What makes Australia’s defeat to Zimbabwe interesting is that it exposed a potential state of difference in opinion between the captain and the selection panel – one that was revealed indirectly by Michael Clarke in the post-match conference.

When asked whether Clarke was bothered by Steven Smith’s exclusion from the side, he agreed. He expressed his surprise at not having the services of the all-rounder on a track where both his batting and bowling would have been of immense use.

On a surface where the part-time spin bowling of Sean Williams was as difficult to play as it was last game – and he was one of the four spinners employed by their captain – Australia had Nathan Lyon and Glenn Maxwell. Aaron Finch rolled his arm over to only be tonked out of the attack yet again while Clarke’s injury woes did not allow him to bowl much.

The seething captain’s absence from this game – on account of his hamstring injury – will make it easier for the selectors to bring Smith back into the line-up. Mitchell Johnson, who was rested last game, should be back too, but it remains to be seen who will make way for him.

With two defeats from two consecutive games, Australia would do well to throw experimentation out of the window and play their best XI. Unfortunately, one cannot be sure what their best XI is after those losses, especially in the bowling department.

Lehmann did not mince words either when he spoke about how the loss should sting everyone in the dressing room but he defended Smith’s exclusion. He said it was a matter of giving everyone some game time.

For South Africa, AB de Villiers could be back from his leg injury, which was probably a cramp. He will captain the side but it remains to be seen whether he will have the services of JP Duminy, who has suffered a knee injury.

What that means is that it could still give Rilee Rossouw a chance to open his account in international cricket, after having gotten out twice for a duck.

It’s also been reported that Morne Morkel’s shoulder is giving him trouble and if he does not make it to the starting XI, Dale Steyn will need to shoulder additional responsibility. Given how Australia played the Zimbabwean spinners, it’s difficult to see South Africa not play both their slow bowlers, Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso, in this one.

Another defeat for Australia allows Zimbabwe an outside chance of making the final if they can beat South Africa last game. More vitally, even if Australia qualify for the final after losing this one, there will be a definite denting of morale and Lehmann and co. will hope they can turn things around from this very game.

George Bailey will lead the side again in Clarke’s absence.

Join me for this ​5th ODI of the series between Australia and South Africa on ​Tuesday here and you can follow the live score of this game from ​5.30 pm and post your comments below.