Australia v South Africa World Cup Tips: Proteas underrated by market

Ed Hawkins
11 October 2023
2:00 min read

Stoinis could return

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Ed Hawkins previews the contest from Lucknow on Thursday and suggests bets at 10/34.33 and 11/26.50.

Lucknow pitch relaid
Warner stands out at boosted 10/34.33
Klaasen at bet at 11/26.50

Australia v South Africa
Thursday 12 October, 09:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Australia v South Africa World Cup team news

Australia could find room for Marcus Stoinis if he has recovered from a hamstring problem. Cameron Green's place is the one under threat. Alex Carey's form is also in focus but it would be a surprise if the Aussies panicked about their keeper at such an early stage. Josh Inglis stands by.

Probable XI: Warner, M Marsh, Smith, Labuschagne, Maxwell, Carey, Stoinis/Green, Cummins, Starc, Zampa, Hazlewood

South Africa will eye the Lucknow surface carefully. If they think it is a turner then Tabraiz Shamsi may come in for a pace bowler. Lungi Ngidi may have to sit this one out with Gerald Coetzee in fine form with the ball and his batting superior.

Their batting power was highlighted posting 428 against Sri Lanka but so too their lack of bowling economy. They have a worse rate than any side in the tournament in the last two years.

Possible XI: Bavuma, De Kock, van der Dussen, Markram, Klaasen, Miller, Jansen, Coetzee, Maharaj, Rabada, Shamsi

Australia v South Africa World Cup pitch report

The Lucknow pitch has been re-laid after slow, stedy surfaces made batting tricky. Who knows what we're going to get? Presumably a surface which offers a better contest between bat and ball. We have to wait and see but South Africa's pricey bowling will keep us interested in an overs play on the Aussie par line.

Australia v South Africa World Cup match odds

These two met in an ODI series just before the World Cup with South Africa coming from 2-0 down to win. Australia are rated as 1.728/11 favourites with South Africa 2.3811/8. Those prices are consistent with the ODI series.

We suspect South Africa have been underrated but would much prefer if they were to bat first. If so they can flip the odds. Don't rule out Australia chasing a big total, though because of wayward Saffer bowling.