Australia will be in the hunt for a series-saving win when they take on the confident South Africa in the third ODI of their series at Kingsmead in Durban. Be sure to follow The Roar for our live scores and blog of the match from 10:30pm (AEDT).
It was well-known from the start of the series that the Australian bowling wasn’t going to be particularly penetrating and South Africa have taken of this obvious chink in the tourists’ armour.
In the first ODI, despite scoring close to 300, Australia endured their much-publicised problem when it was South Africa’s chance to bat. Quinton de Kock’s massive hundred saw South Africa through to a win with nearly 14 overs to spare – a huge margin given the score they were chasing.
This is exactly why Australia opted to field first at Wanderers in the second game but life did not become any easier. The plethora of greenhorns in their bowling attack allowed South Africa to take full toll and a Faf du Plessis century and fifties for Rilee Rossouw and JP Duminy led the Proteas to a score of 361 from their 50 overs.
Even with their strong batting line-up, Australia managed just 219 in return. Scoreboard pressure and the early wickets of Aaron Finch and Steven Smith ensured there were no worries for the hosts, who went on to take a 2-0 lead.
While David Warner said the second game was lost in the first ten overs of each innings, George Bailey said he wants more from Australia’s batsmen.
Both are justified in their requests, but putting them into practice is going to be difficult.
There is that niggling sense that whatever Australia scores, their bowling isn’t experienced enough to defend it, not potent enough to create pressure throughout the 50 overs.
South Africa are a team that has gone through some transition in recent past. They have endured some poor results and off-field controversies.
However, since the start of their recent home series against New Zealand, something seems to have changed for the better. Call it resurgence or a desire to give it their all and leave the rest off the field, but it seems to have worked well for them and, by the looks of it, they will not be taking their foot off the pedal.
They might have one injury concern in the form of Dale Steyn, who appeared to struggle with his hamstring. The Proteas’ selectors may look to rest him and, if that is the case, one of Kyle Abbott or Dwaine Pretorius could get a go.
The other debate over the South African team is whether to pick Rossouw or stalwart Hashim Amla. Rossouw has been given the nod so far, and that move seems to be working well. It’s unlikely Amla will get a chance in this game unless there are any fitness issues either.
Be sure to join The Roar for our live scores and blog of the third ODI between South Africa and Australia from 9:30pm (AEDT).
Doogs
Guest
That's a good one. Fair point. But it's hard to critique him with this bowling squad. I mean....who are these people. I don't know them. Probably Smith does not know them.
Doogs
Guest
That makes it official now. Smith clearly does not want Zampa to succeed lol
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Steve Smith is that student who left an exam early to prepare well for next exam failed in both exams
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
South Africa have won the series 3-0. And given they have chased down such a humongous score from a precarious situation, Australia won't have much clue what they need to do from here. Bat first? Bowl first? Attempt to score 500? How do they prevent a 5-0 whitewash? Because frankly I think South Africa have smelled blood. The blood of a very weak bowling attack that can be taken apart from any situation or position in a game. With that kind of confidence it becomes really tough for Australia, but they will need to find a way out - they have never lost a series 5-0 to South Africa. I am done for tonight and will be back for the fifth game. Till then, have a good time!
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Reserve swept for a couple! South Africa have chased down 372! What a sensational chase this has been. They looked up against it at the start of the chase. They looked dead and buried at 6/265 in the 38th. And then when Phehlukwayo was struggling to get going, they looked like it was all down to Miller to throw his bat. And Miller did exactly that but there was no randomness in it. He chose the bowler and the ball and went after them. And wow, did he come off or what. There were three centuries in the game but clearly Miller's ton stands out. Unbeaten 118 off 79 deliveries!
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Zampa will be bowling the last and Miller gets a single to long-off. Two from five needed.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Up and over and for a four! Phehlukwayo has just hit a four that brings South Africa to within three runs of the win. Century-run stand! Short of length from Hastings and it has been pulled over the short fine-leg fielder for a four... Three needed from the last over. Miller on strike.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Attempts slogging another one, but Phehlukwayo gets a leg-bye close to the pitch. Eight off eight needed.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Shot! Finally Phehlukwayo times one and has hit it over cow corner for a six! Biggie! Nine off nine needed.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Well bowled Hastings, very full and Miller can only drive it down to long-on for a single. 15 off 10 needed.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Hastings, with his last over, starts off with a slower bouncer that Phehlukwayo manages to mis-hit. Still gets a leg-bye. 16 needed from 11.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
A good over despite that six, goes for only seven. More pertinently, Miller is off strike come the start of the new over. 17 needed from 12.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
And then a reverse sweep off the fifth ball to bring the score down to 17 needed from 13.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Oh dear, poor, poor ball that from Zampa. Two dots and then he almost tries to bounce Phehlukwayo. Smacked for a six! 18 needed from 15.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Adam Zampa has come into bowl and Phehlukwayo has just tried to smack him. Googly. Beats him. 24 needed off 17.
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Worrall is Mick lewis reincarnation
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Shot of the game. Miller has just played a short-arm jab. To a fast bowler. And it's gone for a six over square-leg. 24 needed off 18.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Shot, four! Phehlukwayo has finally managed to get something on his bat after many attempts and gets it over extra-cover. 31 needed from 20.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Inside edge off the bowling of Worrall, first ball, and that gets Phehlukwayo a single. 36 needed from 23.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Should have been six from that over, instead it goes for nine. 37 needed from 24.