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Rain could reduce overs
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Openers to the fore
South Africa v Australia
Friday 1 September, 17:00
TV: Live on Sky Sports
South Africa v Australia team news
South Africa suffered a good, old-fashioned hammering in game one in Durban on Wednesday. It was one which they signalled from the very first over when Marco Jansen was all over the shop.
Changes will surely be rung. Tristan Stubbs is likely to hand over the gloves to one of Donovan Ferreira or Matt Breetzke. Lungi Ngidi may lose his spot to Sisana Magala after an expensive show.
The hosts are still to learn Temba Bavuima is not a player for this format. But he'll probably carry on regardless.
Possible XI: Bavuma, Hendricks, van der Dussen, Markram, Brevis, Ferreira, Jansen, Coetzee, Williams, Magala, Shamsi
Australia's appetite for experimentation will be tested after the 111-run win. It might make sense to go with the same XI and see if Tanveer Sangha, Josh Inglis and Aaron Hardie can produce again as the new breed.
Adam Zampa missed the first match illness meaning Sangha was a late call and the spinner returned faith withy four for 31.
Probable XI: Head, Short, Marsh, Inglis, Stoinis, David, Hardie, Abbott, Ellis, Sangha, Johnson
South Africa v Australia pitch report
The teams remain in Durban for the duration of this series and it is fair to say that the pitch looks a belter for whoever gets first use. Australia's 226 has set the standard and 180 batting first is surely the minimum.
What could spoil the fun is the weather forecast. There's a 56% chance of rain at the start time rising to 70% two hours later. If you bet the 20-over par line you are protected from a loss of overs with bets void.
South Africa v Australia match odds
When looking to get an odds-on shot beat we look for something that could be a leveller. it could be the Durban pitch and batting first. It could be a reduction in overs.
Both seem very much to be on the cards. We're not sure South Africa would be as big in a ten-over thrash. Betting on the weather, then, the hosts are at least good for a trade close to even money from 2.526/4.
South Africa v Australia player bets
With rain around, the openers should be all the rage for a top-bat bet. Reeza Hendricks is [5/2 for South Africa but we'll swerve the 11/43.70 on Bavuma. For Australia, Travis Head is 11/43.70 and Matthew Short 13/53.60. Mitchell Marsh, who deserved a ton, is 11/43.70.
In a thrash, the likes of Dewald Brevis and Ferreira could be pushed up the order at 17/29.40 and 16/117.00 respectively for the hosts. Likewise Marcus Stoinis at 6/16.80 for Australia.