ODI World Cup 2023: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI against South Africa

Australia (AUS) are all set to continue their World Cup 2023 campaign by taking on South Africa (SA) in their second game of the tournament at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday, October 12. Both sides will be keen on putting in a good performance and aim to win the game. 

Australia last took on India in their first game of the World Cup and came away with a hefty loss, and they will look to improve against South Africa. On the other hand, the Proteas will be coming into the clash on the back of a resounding win against Sri Lanka, and it could be interesting to see how they fare against the Aussies.

Here's Australia’s Predicted XI Against South Africa:

Openers: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh

The Australian batting attack will be opened by veteran opener David Warner. The 36-year-old has been in sensational form as of late, and he scored 41 runs in 52 deliveries in his last game when the side took on India. As the game against South Africa approaches, Warner will look to amass some very important runs on the board.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh will be opening the innings alongside Warner. The star batter failed to get off the mark in the last game against India. He will hope for an improved performance against South Africa, and it could be interesting to see how Marsh performs.

Middle Order: Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk)

The middle order is where Australia will look to shine. Steve Smith will lead the charge in the middle, and being one of the best batters in world cricket, the player will have many eyes set on him. Smith played a resilient knock in Australia’s last game against India, scoring 46 runs in 71 deliveries, and the 34-year-old will look to further mount up the runs as the tournament progresses.

Marnus Labuschagne will be yet another player to watch out for. The ace batter put in a subpar performance in the previous game, scoring 27 runs on 41 balls. Labuschagne did get in the flow against India. However, the 29-year-old’s performance against South Africa could be one to keep an eye out for.

Alex Carey will be the wicketkeeper for the Aussies. The 32-year-old fell prey to Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliance in the first game as he failed to get off the mark. As the game against the Proteas approaches, Carey will be desperate to improve.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis

Glenn Maxwell will make up one-half of Australia’s all-rounder lineup. Maxwell failed to go big in Australia’s first game against India, scoring just 15 runs and not managing to take a wicket. He will be keen on changing the scenario against South Africa, and considering the kind of form he is in, the 34-year-old could have a good game.

The one change that Australia could make in their second game of the 2023 World Cup could be to include Marcus Stoinis instead of Cameron Green. Stoinis was recently cleared from his injuries and has been deemed fit to play. His inclusion in the lineup could be a big boost for Australia.

Bowlers: Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood 

Pat Cummins will be leading from the front against South Africa. The ace pacer failed to take any wickets in Australia’s first game of the tournament, and he will be keen on getting off the mark when his side takes on South Africa.

Star pacer Mitchell Starc will be the spearhead for Australia’s pace attack throughout the tournament. The 33-year-old took one wicket in Australia’s last game, dismissing Ishan Kishan, and it could be interesting to see how he fares against the Proteas’ batting attack.

Being one of the most in-form players in the side, a lot will depend on Adam Zampa. Despite failing to take a wicket against India, Zampa’s repertoire with the ball is something that needs no introduction, and he will be keen on showcasing his skills against the Temba Bavuma-led side.

Josh Hazlewood was undoubtedly the best bowler for Australia in the side’s first game. Taking three wickets and conceding 38 runs in nine overs, Hazlewood put forth a brilliant performance, and Australia will hope for a similar showing in the upcoming clash.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Australia Predicted XI:

David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood