Australia win the toss, Jack Edwards debuts, and Starc returns in Durban.
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Jack Edwards Debuts as Australia Bowl First
Australia wins the toss in Durban and elects to bowl, a new player wears the Australian ODI cap for the first time, and two star fast bowlers return in the encounter.
Today is Heritage Day, which is a public holiday in South Africa. The skies are clear above Kingsmead for this first ODI in a three-match series between the sides.
Australia Strikes First at the Toss
Captain Mitchell Marsh wins the toss and declares an early start. That could help the fast bowlers.
South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma says he would also have opted to bowl at the iconic venue, which has not hosted a men’s ODI since a rain-shortened encounter against England in February 2020.
Fresh Faces and Heavy Guns for Australia
Australia’s pace spearhead Pat Cummins has had a break and is expected to play later in this series. That has opened the door for Jack Edwards, a New South Wales allrounder who bowls quickly. It is his first ODI appearance.
Other changes to Australia’s line-up include the recall of Josh Hazlewood following his rest in the last ODI against Zimbabwe. Cameron Green is back in the team after a shoulder injury kept him out of the last match, as well as a first ODI start against Zimbabwe. He replaces the injured Alex Carey.
Australia has already drawn a three-match series against Zimbabwe on their way to this tour, and they would be fancied to make it a whitewash here as well.
South Africa Goes With Two Spinners
South Africa’s pace attack is depleted by injuries, and they recall two left-arm spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin.
Gerald Coetzee is also back in the team, which is good news for the home supporters. He shares the workload with his fellow pace bowlers Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch.
The batting order has also changed with Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi opening the innings while Temba Bavuma is at three. Tristan Stubbs and Aiden Markram are rested.
Why This Matters
This series is not a minor league; it is a warm-up for the World Cup. Australia will test their depth with Jack Edwards’ debut, and South Africa will prove that they have more to offer than their superstar names.
Both teams will no doubt learn plenty today.
Quick Facts
- Match: South Africa vs Australia, 1st ODI
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Toss: Australia won and chose to bowl
- Series: Three ODIs followed by three Tests in October
Final Thoughts
It is a new beginning for a young player, but it could be a great chance for Jack Edwards to make his mark on international cricket. Starc and Hazlewood return to the attack while Coetzee has a good opportunity to shine for South Africa.
Cricket is best when a young player has the opportunity and takes it.
What are your thoughts on this encounter? Will Jack Edwards have a good debut?
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