Tri-Series 2016, Match 4 Preview: Australia seek redemption against South Africa

Having faced the South Africans barely a few days back at Guyana, Australia will face the Proteas once again at Warner Park, Basseterre. Redemption will be an appropriate word to describe the Australian side as they aim to right their wrongs against the Proteas in their previous encounter. While Guyana was an incredibly difficult surface to bat on, St. Kitts will provide some help for the batsmen in terms of coming onto the bat. That said, a mouthwatering encounter is on the cards as Australia take on South Africa in the fourth ODI of the Tri-Series 2016.

Pitch Conditions

Unlike Providence in Guyana, the Basseterre wicket will certainly provide some assistance for the batsmen. Situated in the Leeward Islands, this venue has seen some memorable matches over the years. While all the history will certainly remain, the records show one and all that the team batting first usually wins the contest. In addition, both sides have a good record at this venue. The fog from the neighboring mountain ranges may play a role later into the night.

Team Analysis

Australia

Australia was left licking their wounds after a 47-run loss against South Africa. However, they will have a second bite at the cherry as they take on the Proteas once again at St. Kitts, clearly seeking redemption. Earlier this week, Steve Smith reinforced that the mood in the camp was indeed good in spite of the mixed results.

With a change in venue, the Australians are currently in the middle of a selection conundrum with Mitchell Starc and Nathan Coulter-Nile both fit for action. However, it is certainly expected that Starc replaces Coulter-Nile who was part of the defeat against South Africa at Guyana.

The spotlight will well and truly be on Glenn Maxwell. The hard-hitting all-rounder has had a prolonged dip in form of late. However, it is highly unlikely that Maxwell would be dropped from the side, especially after receiving the backing of his skipper.

South Africa

Following their win over Australia at Guyana, AB de Villiers and his band of merry men will be hoping for a repeat performance. However, with the venue and conditions significantly changed, the Proteas will only know all too well to underestimate the Aussies.

In similarity with their opponents, the South Africans will also be thrust into a selection conundrum. Tabraiz Shamsi may well be picked as a third spinning option ahead of the impressive Chris Morris. The ruling out of Rilee Rossouw with a shoulder injury has seen him replaced in the squad by Dean Elgar. However, whether the latter gets the chance remains to be seen.

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Playing XI (Probable)

Australia: Steve Smith (C), Matthew Wade (WK), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc/Nathan Coulter-Nile

South Africa: AB de Villiers (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris/Tabraiz Shamsi, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Abbott, Aaron Phangiso

StAttack

1. Aaron Finch is the top run-getter in the Tri-Series with 91 runs to his name. Moreover, only 12 players have crossed the 30-run mark in the ongoing Tri-Series.

2. Teams batting first at St. Kitts have won 10 of 14 matches.

3. South Africa and Australia have played each other at St. Kitts in the 2007 World Cup Super Eights. The Aussies clinched an 83-run win and subsequently went on to win the tournament.