Australia vs South Africa 2018, 1st ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Tips

The three-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa will be crucial for both the teams keeping the next year’s World Cup in mind. The Aussies are looking to sort out their troubles in the ODI format without two of the best batsmen around. The Aaron Finch-led side will face South Africa who recently struggled against a side like Zimbabwe at home. However, the Saffers have one of the best bowling attacks going around which consists of Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi and Dale Steyn.

Australia as a team has been quite poor in the ODI format having won one of the ten games in 2018 and only two of their previous 20 ODIs. To add to that, the Aussies have not won a Test or an ODI match ever since the ball-tampering incident earlier this year. Australia will be delighted to see the return of their senior bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Though there is no update on Starc’s availability for the first game, they still have Nathan Counter-Nile in the squad who can make up for Starc’s absence.

Match Details:

The first ODI match between Australia and South Africa will be hosted at the Perth Stadium.

The match starts at 11:20 AM local time (3:40 AM GST) (8:50 AM IST).

Last five ODI matches:

Australia: L, L, L, L, L.

South Africa: W, W, W, L, L.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Optus Stadium in Perth has hosted only one International game thus far which was an ODI between the hosts and England in January this year. The drop-in pitch used for that game was on the slower side and produced reverse swing as the game progressed. The BBL semi-final played in February at this stadium saw the pitch getting faster towards the end of the match.

Squads:

Australia: D’Arcy Short, Aaron Finch (C), Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis (C), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Probable XI:

Australia: D Arcy Short, Aaron Finch (C), Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis/Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc/Nathan Coulter-Nile, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis (C), David Miller/Heinrich Klaasen, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir.

Power Picks:

Chris Lynn was impressive with the bat during the JLT Cup in which he was the top-scorer with 452 runs across seven innings with two tons and three fifties. He along with Glenn Maxwell is expected to be crucial picks from Australia. All-rounder Chris Morris is returning from an injury and has shown a glimpse of his best during the Abu Dhabi T20 tournament last month. This series will be crucial for Dale Steyn if he wants to be in the World Cup plans as he needs to exhibit that he is fit and can deliver.

Best Playing XI:

Quinton de Kock, Aaron Finch, Chris Lynn, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Du Plessis will be the ideal option for captain or vice-captain given his record against Australia. The South African skipper has always enjoyed batting against the Aussies as he scored 798 ODI runs in 17 innings against them. The responsibility of guiding the inexperienced batting line-up could bring out the best out of Faf.

Aaron Finch’s stay at the crease is what the Aussies need. Adam Zampa will also make a good vice-captain given his recent form in the JLT One-Day Cup. The leg-spinner claimed 12 wickets across six matches in that tournament picking at least one in all the six games.

Expert Advice:

De Kock hasn’t been among runs recently while the other keeper option for this game is Alex Carey, who is expected to bat in the middle-order. D’Arcy Short is expected to retain his place after the devastating double ton in JLT tournament as a result, Carey has to settle with No.6 or No.7.

Probable Winners:

South Africa’s bowling-attack will hold the key in defeating the Aussies who are in a dire situation in ODI cricket.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

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