David Back At 5; Maxwell Replaced, No Head? Australia's Probable XI For 3rd T20I Vs SA

Australia could make some changes for 3rd T20I [Source: AFP]

The ongoing T20I series between Australia and South Africa is well-poised for a fitting finish. After Australia clinched the first game by 17 runs, the Proteas bounced back with a stunning 53-run victory in the subsequent encounter. 

However, the scoreline of one-all doesn't reveal the glaring loopholes in the Australian lineup, which they must sort out ahead of the decider. As the hosts gear up to avoid a home series defeat, let's analyse and find out the probable changes that Australia could make for the much-awaited contest. 

Australia's Playing XI For 2nd T20I vs SA

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Alex Carey (WK), Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Questions Which Need To Be Answered

How Many More Games For Glenn Maxwell?

(Glenn Maxwell's batting stats since WI T20Is)

• Glenn Maxwell had an outstanding 2025 Major League season, promising a turnaround in his T20I career. However, the veteran cricketer has let Australia down with a string of disappointing outings, averaging just 15.28 since the West Indies series. 
• Maxwell will be 37 by next year's T20 World Cup. He averages just over 23 across 62 T20Is since 2022 and managed 100 runs in his last two IPL seasons in India, where the next T20 World Cup will be played. 
• So, given that we are not far away from the World Cup, it's the perfect time for Australia to experiment with their spin-bowling all-rounder's slot and try out Matthew Short at that position. 
• Short is ideally a top-order player, but he has the gears to succeed in the middle order. More importantly, he seems the perfect replacement for Maxwell at the moment, and it shouldn't be surprising if the Australian management uses these two players on a rotational basis. 

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Will Travis Head Get Another Match?

• Travis Head has had a horrible series against South Africa so far. He has recorded two consecutive single-digit scores, aggregating just seven runs across two outings. 
• Given that Head is struggling with form, people might think Australia will replace him with an alternative option in the final game. However, it's worth mentioning that Head is Australia's first-choice opener and has been fabulous at the top in T20Is, amassing 1100 runs at an average of 31.4 and a strike rate of 158. 
• So, although he has yet to score big in this series, Head will likely get another opportunity, with Australia aiming to ensure ample game time for him ahead of the World Cup. 

Inglis To Replace Carey, David Back At 5?

• Swashbuckling batter Josh Inglis was left out of Australia's playing XI for the second T20I as he was suffering from the flu. Alex Carey replaced the right-hander and batted at number seven in that match. 
• However, it's expected that Inglis will get fully fit before the third T20I, which is scheduled on 16th August. So, he will likely come in for Carey and bat at number three, pushing Cameron Green and Tim David one place down. 
• Talking about Tim David, the explosive batter has been Australia's most successful batter in the series. He has hammered two blistering fifties, playing a vital role for the home side with his scintillating stroke play. 

Why Ellis For Hazlewood Makes Sense?

• Josh Hazlewood had a rare off day in the second T20I, scalping a single wicket for 56 runs in his four-over spell. But more than his most recent performance, what could prompt Australia to bench Hazlewood is his proneness to injury. 
• Hazlewood recently missed plenty of cricket due to a side strain as well as a shoulder injury. He is expected to lead the Australian attack in the T20 World Cup. Also, given that he'll probably play the first ODI against South Africa, the Australian think tank could consider resting him and bringing Nathan Ellis back into the team. 

Australia's Probable XI For 3rd T20I vs SA

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell/Matthew Short, Mitch Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

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