Resurgent South Africa take on dented Australia as Pat Cummins won the toss and put Temba Bavuma's side to bat first in the ODI World Cup clash at the Ekana stadium in Lucknow on Thursday, October 12.
Meanwhile, Cummins made two changes in Australia's fold as he brought in star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglish in team's playing XI in place of Cameron Green and Alex Carey.
Australia skipper Pat Cummins, after winning the toss, said," We are going to have a bowl. Not too sure what's to make of this wicket. It seems like it's got a bit of moisture. Two changes. Stoinis is back in place of Green and Josh Inglis comes in for Alex Carey. Fee runs short (vs India), really happy with the way we bowled. They (South Africa) have started the tournament really well, always a good challenge."
Meanwhile, South African captain Temba Bavuma said,"I wasn't too sure, whatever we do first, we'll have to do well. Shamsi comes in for Coetzee. Bit of both (conditions and for the opposition). Shamsi has had decent success against them, we'd like to unleash them. There could be some spin and bounce. We always speak about assessing, trying to adapt, today will be no different. Quinny and myself should have a look in the first five overs and then see what could be a good score for us to post."
Pitch Report
Dimensions - square boundaries - 63 m and 70m. Straight - 76 m. Lots of questions marks. It's a relaid surface. Patchy grass on the surface. The new ball will hit and kiss the surface. Red soil from Mumbai, it's got that sort of DNA, little bit more bounce and carry with the new ball. There's some moisture on the track as well early up. It won't be huge-scoring. It's going to be in favour of the bowlers. This surface is going to be a little tricky.
Australia vs South Africa Head-to-Head in World Cup
Matches played - 6
Australia - 3
South Africa - 2
Tie - 1
Last result - South Africa won by 10 runs in 2019 in Manchester
Australia's Playing XI: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa's Playing XI: Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.
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