Steve Smith To Drop KKR Star? Australia's Probable XI For Champions Trophy Match vs South Africa

Australia will face South Africa tomorrow [Source: AP]

On Tuesday, Australia will cross swords against South Africa in the seventh group-stage match of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. The much-awaited clash will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

Led by Steve Smith, Australia had a fabulous start to the tournament, securing an emphatic win over England in Karachi. However, despite their clinical victory, several things went wrong for the Aussies, which they would like to rectify in this match. 

So, as they prepare for the high-voltage game against South Africa, let's analyse and find out their probable playing XI for this match. 

Spencer Johnson Out, Sean Abbott In?

(Spencer Johnson's stats in first match)

Spencer Johnson, who joined the Australian team as Mitchell Starc's replacement, had a forgettable outing against England. The KKR star conceded 54 runs while going wicketless in his seven-over spell. 

So, considering they have Ben Dwarshuis as a left-arm seam option, Australia might decide to bring Sean Abbott back into the team. In 28 ODI innings, Abbott has bagged 33 wickets, while scoring 374 runs, including two half centuries. 

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Australia Likely To Keep Their Batting Lineup Unchanged

Australia's batting unit was a major reason behind their thumping win over arch-rivals England. While Josh Inglis struck a magnificent century, Matthew Short and Alex Carey smashed blistering fifties. 

Although Travis Head recorded a failure, he is Australia's most reliable option when it comes to accelerating in the powerplay. So, Australia's batting lineup will likely be unchanged, with Head, Short, Smith, Labuschagne, Carey, Inglis and Maxwell filling the slots. 

Meanwhile, Adam Zampa, who scalped two wickets, will lead Australia's spin department. Despite going wicketless, Nathan Ellis bowled brilliantly, conceding only 51 runs off his ten overs. So, he will likely retain his place in the team. 

Australia's Probable Playing XI vs South Africa

Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis

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