South Africa vs Australia Playing 11, 3rd ODI: SA vs AUS Playing XI & Team News

The South Africa vs Australia Playing 11 will be closely watched when the two teams meet in the third and final ODI at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, September 30. South Africa have already secured the three-match series 2-0, while Australia enter the final ODI with several injury concerns and possible changes to their bowling attack.

The match starts at 1:30 PM local time and 5:00 PM IST. The official SA vs AUS Playing 11 will only be confirmed at the toss, so the teams below are probable combinations based on the available squads, performances in the first two ODIs and the latest injury updates.

Australia have the bigger selection problem. Josh Inglis is unavailable after fracturing his right index finger in the opening ODI, while Nathan Ellis and Joel Davies have now also been ruled out of the final match. Jack Edwards is being monitored after experiencing hamstring tightness following his five-wicket performance in Johannesburg.

South Africa vs Australia Playing 11 – Probable XI

South Africa have fewer reasons to make major changes after winning the opening two matches. Quinton de Kock should continue at the top, while captain Temba Bavuma comes into the final ODI after scoring a century in Johannesburg. Matthew Breetzke and David Miller have also produced major innings during the series.

South Africa Probable Playing 11

This combination would allow South Africa to retain the balance that has worked during the series. Maharaj and Fortuin provide two frontline spin options, while Marco Jansen, Coetzee and Bosch give Bavuma several pace choices.

South Africa could still use the dead rubber to test another squad member. Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs are among the other options available in the squad, meaning the final XI should not be treated as confirmed until the toss.

For a deeper look at this rivalry, including records across formats, readers can check the South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Stats page on TeamStats.

Australia Probable Playing XI

*Jack Edwards’ availability needs to be confirmed before the match.

Australia’s final combination is considerably harder to predict because of their injury situation. Inglis is unavailable, Ellis and Davies have been ruled out, while Edwards is being monitored. If Edwards is not cleared, Oliver Peake or another available squad option could come into consideration depending on the balance Australia want.

Pat Cummins is another important name to watch. He was moving closer to an ODI return ahead of the second game and remains a strong selection option for the Potchefstroom finale. Australia could also manage one of their senior quicks with the three-Test series beginning in October.

AUS vs SA Playing 11: Australia Hit by Injuries

The biggest story around the AUS vs SA Playing 11 is Australia’s growing injury list. Inglis suffered a fractured right index finger during the first ODI in Durban and was subsequently ruled out of the remaining ODI matches. Alex Carey therefore becomes the natural wicketkeeping option.

Australia then suffered two more setbacks following the second ODI. Ellis has a side strain and Davies picked up a hamstring injury while fielding as a substitute, ruling both players out of the Potchefstroom match.

Edwards is a particularly important case because he was Australia’s standout bowler in Johannesburg. He claimed five wickets but later experienced hamstring tightness and is being monitored ahead of the final ODI.

The injuries could force Australia to use a more conventional pace attack involving Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood, with Zampa providing the main specialist spin option. Cameron Green and Connolly give the side additional overs if required.

Australia vs South Africa Playing XI: South Africa Have More Options

The Australia vs South Africa Playing XI situation is much more settled for the home side. South Africa won the first ODI in Durban by 67 runs before taking an unassailable 2-0 series lead with a 32-run victory in Johannesburg.

Their batting has also been shared around. Matthew Breetzke scored 112 in the opening ODI, while Marco Jansen contributed 75. In Johannesburg, Bavuma struck 103 and Miller produced a career-best 142 from 93 balls as South Africa piled up 365/9.

Those performances leave South Africa with an interesting decision. They can retain the core combination and target a 3-0 series sweep, or use the final match to give another squad player an opportunity before the Test portion of Australia’s tour begins.

TeamStats readers following the conditions for the match can also check our latest South Africa vs Australia Pitch Report coverage, with Potchefstroom presenting a different challenge from Durban and Johannesburg.

SA vs AUS Playing XI: Who Could Make Way?

Australia’s changes will largely be dictated by fitness rather than form. Carey should continue behind the stumps in Inglis’ absence, while the loss of Ellis reduces the number of specialist pace combinations available to the visitors.

Cummins could consequently become an important addition. The Australian captain was being prepared for a possible return during the ODI series, and Potchefstroom represents the final competitive international match before the Test series.

South Africa have greater flexibility. Their middle order has delivered important runs, while the combination of Maharaj and Fortuin has caused Australia problems during the ODI series. Unless the surface demands an additional fast bowler, keeping two spin options would remain a logical combination.

The final SA vs AUS Playing XI could nevertheless change after both teams inspect the pitch. Potchefstroom has offered good bounce for quick bowlers but has also produced large ODI totals, making team balance particularly important.

South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI Match Details

The afternoon start is another factor teams will consider when finalising their XIs. The first two ODIs started at 10:00 AM local time, whereas the Potchefstroom match begins at 1:30 PM and continues under lights.

South Africa have recent success against Australia at this venue as well. When the teams met here during the 2023 ODI series, South Africa made 338/6 and bowled Australia out for 227.

South Africa vs Australia Playing 11: Final Update at Toss

The South Africa vs Australia Playing 11 listed above remains probable rather than confirmed. Australia’s injury situation makes their XI especially uncertain, with the fitness of Edwards and the potential inclusion of Cummins among the main developments to monitor.

South Africa should have more continuity available after winning the first two matches, although a 2-0 series lead also gives the hosts an opportunity to rotate players. Any changes will become clear when Bavuma and Australia’s captain walk out for the toss.

The final SA vs AUS Playing 11 and AUS vs SA Playing XI should therefore be updated immediately after the toss rather than presenting the probable teams as confirmed selections.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rajani Kant

Cricket Writer & Editor at TeamStats.in

Rajani Kant is a cricket writer and editor at TeamStats.in, covering cricket statistics, team records, player performances, match results and important developments from international cricket. His focus is on presenting cricket information in a clear, useful and easy-to-understand format.

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