Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI, Preview - A nail-biting series decider awaits in Hobart

Aaron Finch would be eyeing to win his first series as the ODI captain.

Published - 10 Nov 2018, 19:47 IST | Updated - 10 Nov 2018, 19:47 IST

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The three-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa is down to the decider that will be played on Sunday. Both the teams are eyeing at a series win and definitely wouldn’t give up easily. While the Proteas won the first match, the Aussies made a comeback in the nerve-wracking second ODI. It is tough to pick one among these two teams.

However, South Africa looked to be slightly the better side thus far. The first ODI was a cakewalk for them and they thoroughly dominated the home team. Even in the second match, they did come quite close. It wasn’t just their day as they narrowly lost the match by 7 runs.

But for Australia, they have got the momentum on their side after the recent win. They were terrific as a team and Aaron Finch is just about finding his shoes as the captain of the side. He prompted some great moves which made the win possible for them. Their bowling has been top notch. But, their batters will have to pull above their weights and get their act together if they have a pull off a victory.

Team Combinations

Australia

The hosts would want to keep their winning combinations going. One of the biggest concern for them, however, is their opening pair. Although Finch looked decent in the last match, Travis Head has failed on both the occasions thus far. Hence, it could be a toss-up between him and D’Arcy Short. The rest of the lineup looks quite settled. Glenn Maxwell needs to fire in all cylinders and justify his place in the side.

Predicted XI: Travis Head/D’Arcy Short, Aaron Finch (c), Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazelwood.

South Africa

South Africa as well looks quite sorted with its batting line up. The only concern for them is Heinrich Klaasen who hasn’t done enough to justify his place in the side. Hence, it could open up the doors for either of Farhaan Behardien or Chris Morris whom the management would want to give a go-ahead of the World Cup 2019. Dwaine Pretorius has done well and must cling on to his place in the XI.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (c), Farhaan Behardien/Chris Morris, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir.

Focus will be on

Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

It is high time that Glenn Maxwell begins to justify his place in the side. He has failed to deliver in both the game so far and has been quite inconsistent. The third ODI should provide him with a wonderful opportunity to prove his mettle in the side. The Bellerive Oval in Hobart is the same venue where he struck a 58-ball century in a T20I against England earlier this year. The pitch, which is true to the stroke-makers, should assist his style of play.

Dale Steyn (South Africa)

Not to jinx his brilliant comeback or something but Dale Steyn has looked terrific ever since he made it back into the side. He seems to be fitter than ever and is quite hungry for wickets. It never looked as if he missed out on all the action watching him clock speeds well over 140. He picked four wickets in two games in the series and will be eager to get more in the series decider.