The three-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa gets underway Tuesday night in Cairns, a perfect stage for fireworks under the stadium lights as the two sides lock horns in the first of three 50-over battles. It's a fresh epoch: Australia plugging gaps after high-profile retirements and injuries, while the Proteas look to wrest away momentum after their spirited T20 battle. Cue the excitement—this opener promises both redemption and intrigue.
Australia vs South Africa 1st ODI Preview & Betting Tips
Cairns, Tuesday 19th August, 2.30pm (AEST)
New-Look Aussies Search for Balance in Transition
Australia enters the ODI arena on the back foot in some ways, having reshuffled their squad following the exits of explosive talents like Glenn Maxwell and Tim David (retiring from ODIs), plus Steve Smith stepping away from 50-overs altogether. They're also missing key bowlers, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are unavailable, leaving Josh Hazlewood as the spearhead of a patched-up attack. It’s a transitional phase—all the more reason for Marsh & Co. to lean on adaptability.
But they’re not downtrodden. Captain Mitch Marsh insists the attacking mindset remains, merely adapted to the marathon nature of ODIs. And this isn’t youthful dauntlessness—Marsh remains locked in as opener alongside Travis Head, promising stability up top. With Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis rounding out the firepower, Australia still looks well-stocked to chase big totals or blunt incoming attacks.
Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Alex Carey, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa
Proteas Banking on Pace and Momentum
The Proteas bring a spicy mix of T20 momentum and ODI hunger to this series. They wrapped up the three-match T20I showdown earlier in August, taking at least a match off Australia (as overall series is 2–1 in Australia’s favor. Players like Dewald Brevis (180 runs) dominated, ensuring the tourists aren’t short on confidence going into the longer format.
South Africa arrive with a solid structure and captaincy under Temba Bavuma for the ODIs. There’s good rhythm, and a growing belief that they can translate T20 intensity into ODI success. Their bowling attack, led by the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, has the pace and bite to seriously trouble Australia’s reshuffled batting order. The Proteas are likely planning to lean on that momentum and depth, hunting early breakthroughs in this new setup in Australia’s north.
South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada
Match Prediction
In Cairns, expect Australia’s experience and home conditions to give them a subtle edge, but only if they can gel quickly. Hazlewood will need to punch above his weight to make up for the missing pace duo, while Marsh and Head must lay a sturdy foundation. If those big names fire in tandem and Green or Labuschagne can supplement with middle-order power, Australia should comfortably chase or post totals that test the Proteas.Backing the home team to get the job done here.
Player Prop
Like the look of Cameron Green's overs here. He has been pretty solid throughout the West Indies and South Africa white ball fixtures over the last month, racking up five scores of 32+ in his last eight knocks including three 50s. In two innings at Cairns, he has plundered 114 runs and is yet to be dismissed.
Cameron Green Over 28.5
$1.89
