Head To Replace Fraser-McGurk, RCB Stars In; Australia's Probable XI For 1st T20I vs SA

Head and Fraser-McGurk [Source: AFP]

After securing a clinical whitewash over the West Indies, Australia are set to take on South Africa in a much-anticipated T20I series at home. The first T20I of the three-match series will be played at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin. 

The Australian squad features several renowned names. While Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, and Josh Inglis are expected to spearhead the Australian batting unit, the bowling unit will be led by Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa. As the stage is set for a cracking clash, let's analyse and find out what could be Australia's combination for the first match. 

Top order- Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis

(T20I numbers of Travis Head and Josh Inglis)

• Australia discarded Jake Fraser-McGurk from their T20I plan after the batter's torrid run in the West Indies series. Travis Head, who has hammered 774 runs at a superb strike rate as an opener, is all set to replace him at the top of the order. 
• Skipper Mitchell Marsh has much better T20I numbers at three (1276 runs, average - 37.53, SR - 142.57) than as an opener (98 runs, average - 16.33). However, with Head and Josh Inglis having incredible numbers at these positions, Marsh should give himself a long rope at the opening slot, where he can capitalise on the field restrictions. 

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Middle Order- Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Tim David

(Green, Maxwell, Owen and Tim David's numbers)

• Cameron Green and Mitchell Owen showcased remarkable form in the recently concluded West Indies T20Is. Green has been magnificent at four, while Owen has impressed with his all-round skills. 
• Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell and Tim David are two absolute certainties in the playing XI, considering their prowess against spin and pace, respectively. Maxwell can decimate the South African spin attack, while David's power-hitting and numbers in the slog overs make him an automatic choice. Besides scoring crucial runs, Maxwell can also chip in with a few overs of off-spin. 

Bowlers - Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

(Stats of Australian bowlers in T20Is)

• As Josh Hazlewood has had several injury setbacks of late, Australia might use him judiciously in this series. However, as it's the first game, they might consider including him in their playing XI to form a robust combination. 
• Ben Dwarshuis should be picked over Sean Abbott as Hazlewood's bowling partner in the powerplay. He was clinical with the ball in the West Indies T20Is and can strengthen Australia with his left-arm swing bowling. Apart from scalping crucial wickets, Dwarshuis can be handy with the bat at the lower order. 
• Nathan Ellis should be Australia's third seamer, as he has excellent death bowling skills. His cutters and ability to outfox the batters with a well-disguised slow ball make him a real threat to the opposition. 
• Meanwhile, Adam Zampa is an automatic choice over Matthew Kuhnemann as Australia's frontline spinner for what he has done for the team over the years. 

Australia's Probable Playing XI For 1st T20I vs South Africa

Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (C), Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

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