That said it remains a meeting between two of the fiercest rivals in cricket and is a chance to get one over on the enemy.
South Africa vs Australia | First T20I | Wednesday 30 August 2023 | Kingsmead, Durban
Proteas | Draw | Australia
Odds TBA*
South Africa have won five of their eight T20Is played at Kingsmead but are 1-1 at the venue in matches against Australia in the shortest international format.
Neither Quinton de Kock nor Heinrich Klaasen will take part in the series presenting chances for young glovemen Matthew Breetzke and Donovan Ferreira.
Temba Bavuma gets another chance to prove himself in what has been demonstrated to be his weakest format but Aiden Markram leads the team.
Reeza Hendricks could use this series to prove his form and push for a place in the ODI starting XI.
There will be no Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje with the ODI series and Cricket World Cup their priority while their absence suggests that Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi and Sisanda Magala still need to earn their Cricket World Cup places.
These matches will be significant for the spin division with Imaad Fortuin likely to get some overs to show form. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi also need to turn their respective arms over to tune up for the showpiece event looming large.
Australia’s squad looks like a Big Bash All Stars outfit with domestic performances rewarded while multi-format stars are rested.
Allrounder Mitchell Marsh skipper’s Australia and could be the ace up the tourists sleeves. Marsh rarely has a bad game these days and can win matches with the bat or ball.
Australia have picked four allrounders in contrast to the Proteas reliance on specialists which gives the visitors great tactical flexibility.
Travis Head is notable as one of the few players expected to turn out for Australia at the World Cup who is on this tour.
Australia’s love of a left-arm quick is clear and present as they have selected three to engage the Proteas despite the absence of Mitchell Starc. Ben Dwarshuis, Jason Behrendorff and late-blooming Spencer Johnson make up the left-armers in the attack.
Matthew Wade’s inclusion brings in to question Josh Inglis’ ascension to being the T20 gloveman for Australia.
Verdict: South Africa
The experienced and settled hosts should have enough to down a young Australia team.
