SA vs AUS: Anrich Nortje and Temba Bavuma ruled out of 4th ODI with injuries, Aiden Markram to lead

In a massive setback for South Africa in their ongoing ODI series against Australia, star pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the upcoming fourth and fifth ODIs due to a lower back injury. Nortje walked out of the field due to the same issue in the second ODI as well.

Furthermore, batter Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the side for the fourth ODI on Friday, September 15 as well with an adductor strai. In his absence, Aiden Markram will be leading the Proteas. Being the current T20I skipper for South Africa, Markram has led the Proteas in six ODIs so far, and he will look to put in his best performance as the skipper both on and off the field for the upcoming game of the series. 

South Africa aim to level series

As the fourth ODI of the series approaches, the Proteas will be keen on levelling the score. Currently, Australia are in the lead of 1-2, and the side could clinch the series if they manage to win the fourth ODI. 

South Africa will be going into the game with a severely depleted lineup and with the absence of Bavuma and Nortje, it could be tough for the hosts to register a win against the in-form Aussies. The South Africa skipper had scores of 114*, 46 and 57 in the three ODIs so far.

Meanwhile, South Africa's win in the recently concluded third ODI could grant them some much-needed confidence. Markram and Quiton de Kock’s brilliant knocks helped the Proteas post 338 runs, and the bowlers followed it up by bundling Australia out for just 227 runs, winning the game by 111 runs to stay alive in the series.

The fourth ODI will be played on September 15 in Centurion before the final in Johannesburg on September 17.