Labuschagne, Hazlewood Out; Head Dropped? Australia Probable XI For 3rd ODI Vs South Africa

Australia will take on SA on Sunday [Source: AFP]

On Sunday, Australia will take on South Africa in the final One-Day International of the ongoing three-match series. The high-voltage clash will be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. 

South Africa clinched the historic ODI series, swatting aside Australia in two consecutive matches. The second match witnessed South Africa's complete domination, as the visitors bowled the hosts out for 193 runs, securing an 84-run victory. 

As the Australians gear up to avoid a whitewash, let's analyse and find out their probable XI for this match. 

Australia's Playing XI For 2nd ODI vs South Africa

Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis

Changes That Australia Could Make For 3rd ODI

Marnus Labuschagne out, Cooper Connolly in?

• Experienced batter Marnus Labuschagne has had two horrible outings in the South Africa series. In two matches, Labuschagne has managed just two runs, with the Proteas bowlers exploiting his technical flaws. 
• More importantly, Labuschagne has been mediocre in ODIs since last year, amassing 241 runs at a poor average of 21.90 in his last twelve innings in the format. So, considering his prolonged lean patch, Australia might drop Labuschagne from their playing XI for the final ODI and replace him with Cooper Connolly. 
• Besides scoring quick runs at the top order, Connolly can chip in with a few overs of left-arm off-spin, providing Australia with a potent bowling option in the match. 

Hazlewood rested, Dwarshuis back?

• Josh Hazlewood has played all five matches of the tour. The ace speedster has performed admirably in the South Africa series, scalping seven wickets in T20Is and ODIs combined. 
• However, the fast bowler has struggled with fitness issues in recent times. He missed crucial matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy before a side strain sidelined him from the Champions Trophy. Furthermore, a shoulder injury ruled him out of several group-stage matches in the IPL 2025. So, considering his age and recent injury concerns, Australia might rest Hazlewood for the dead-rubber and bring left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis into their XI. 

Will Travis Head sit out?

(Travis Head's stats in SA series)

• As shown in the above table, Travis Head has failed miserably with the bat in the South Africa series. After managing only 26 runs in the T20I series, Head could collect just 33 runs across the first two innings of the ODI leg. 
• However, despite Head's recent struggles, Australia won't likely leave him out of their XI, considering his stature and the lack of alternative opening options in their squad. So, in all likelihood, Head will once again open the batting with Mitchell Marsh and spearhead the Australian top order. 

Australia's Probable XI For 3rd ODI vs South Africa

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis

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