Third ODI Preview: South Africa vs. Australia

Third ODI Preview: South Africa vs. Australia

A marginal seven-run win at Adelaide not only revived Australia's pathetic record in 2018 by just a little bit but also exposed the chinks in South Africa's batting arsenal. The hosts, who had lost seven games on the trot, found their bowling mojo at Adelaide and on a batting paradise at Hobart, Australia's batsmen should look to turn around their wretched form.

South Africa, on the other hand, have problems aplenty in their batting too and would be crushed by the close loss in the second ODI. Their quicker bowlers have been superb in the series but on a flat-baked Hobart wicket, Finch and co could test their consistency.

Batting-wise, the visitors will hope that their young batting guns find their feet. Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen and Reeza Hendricks have teased to go big without actually managing to while the trio of Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and David Miller haven't been in prime form either. Their task is cut out by Australia's rejuvenating bowling performance at Adelaide but a flat track should help the likes of Markram and de Kock.

Conditions: Pleasant weather expected with no rain delays.

Player Recommendations:


Wicket-keeper: Quinton de Kock

Despite Alex Carey's promising show at Adelaide, you should ideally back Quinton de Kock in your fantasy side. The South African wicket-keeper opens the batting and could enjoy the true bounce at Hobart. He hasn't kicked on this series with scores of 47 and 9 but could hit a purple patch on the Bellerive

A marginal seven-run win at Adelaide not only revived Australia's pathetic record in 2018 by just a little bit but also exposed the chinks in South Africa's batting arsenal. The hosts, who had lost seven games on the trot, found their bowling mojo at Adelaide and on a batting paradise at Hobart, Australia's batsmen should look to turn around their wretched form.

South Africa, on the other hand, have problems aplenty in their batting too and would be crushed by the close loss in the second ODI. Their quicker bowlers have been superb in the series but on a flat-baked Hobart wicket, Finch and co could test their consistency.

Batting-wise, the visitors will hope that their young batting guns find their feet. Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen and Reeza Hendricks have teased to go big without actually managing to while the trio of Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and David Miller haven't been in prime form either. Their task is cut out by Australia's rejuvenating bowling performance at Adelaide but a flat track should help the likes of Markram and de Kock.

Conditions: Pleasant weather expected with no rain delays.

Player Recommendations:


Wicket-keeper: Quinton de Kock

Despite Alex Carey's promising show at Adelaide, you should ideally back Quinton de Kock in your fantasy side. The South African wicket-keeper opens the batting and could enjoy the true bounce at Hobart. He hasn't kicked on this series with scores of 47 and 9 but could hit a purple patch on the Bellerive Oval road. Carey comes down the order which could minimise his impact if the top-order fire.

Batsman: Aiden Markram

The young South African superstar has got starts but hasn't converted them in his ODI career thus far. A sensational whip for six off Mitchell Starc's 152kmph delivery at Adelaide had social media go gaga but Markram will want to carry on and make a big hundred to stamp his presence in the side. Hobart's flat nature gives him a chance to establish his authority over the Aussie bowlers.

All-rounder: Glenn Maxwell

Stoinis the bowler has been on fire in the two games this series so far. That said, he was barely required with the bat and on a flat surface at Hobart his impact could be minimised. Maxwell comes down the order but is game-changer in these conditions. He could also be used more with the ball.

Bowler: Mitchell Starc

Starc sent down a searing opening spell at Adelaide, clocking an average speed of 152kmph in the first 10 overs. He found a bit of late shape and had the South African opener Quinton de Kock castled. Starc's ability to strike big makes him a favourite among fantasy players and there is no reason to not back him on a Hobart surface where he averages 24.40 with the ball in ODIs.

Captain: Quinton de Kock

Vice-captain: Aiden Markram

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rohit Sankar
A cricket enthusiast striving to convey the finer details of the game in a capsule. Rohit hopes to present a bird's eye view of the game. He has written for a handful of prestigious websites including Cricbuzz, The Independent, The Hindu, CricketNext, Firstpost and others.
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