In an attempt to prevent an ODI series sweep against South Africa, Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to bat for the first time as an international captain, therefore Josh Hazlewood was rested for the final ODI in Mackay and Sean Abbott returned. Cooper Connolly was chosen as a spinning all-rounder at number seven, leaving Aaron Hardie out as well.
Temba Bavuma, who rested during game two, returned as captain, one of three changes made by South Africa in the final stretch. Tony de Zorzi dropped to No. 4, and Bavuma took Matthew Breetzke’s spot. Breetzke was sidelined due to a strained left hamstring before the England tour. With game two players Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger rested, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka have also been added to the starting lineup.
Before the toss, Cricket Australia announced that Hazlewood would take a break after playing the first two ODIs and all three T20Is in the series.
Before playing three ODIs and five T20Is at home against India before the Ashes, Australia will play New Zealand in a three-match T20I series that begins on October 1.
Ben Dwarshuis missed his second consecutive game because of a mild hamstring discomfort, but Abbott was brought into Australia’s team for the final ODI after Hazlewood was returned home to Sydney early. It is believed that if the series had continued, he might have been allowed to play.
Connolly also made a comeback after being summoned when Mitchell Owen and Matt Short were declared out due to injuries, despite not being included in the team at first before the series. Connolly, who opened in his most recent ODI against India in the Champions Trophy semi-final, will bat at number seven.
Australia, who have never been swept in an ODI series at home, is hoping to prevent a clean sweep.
Home