Travis Head, Marsh To Open; Hazlewood Rested? Australia's Probable XI For 1st ODI Vs SA

Australia probable XI Vs SA [Source: AFP Photo]

After playing a riveting T20I series which went to the wire, the caravan now shifts towards the ODIs, as Australia will take on South Africa in the first game of the series on August 19, at the Cazalys Stadium, Cairns. The hosts, Australia, captured the T20Is, 2-1, and will be eager to seal the ODIs as well.

The Aussies have tweaked their squad for the ODIs, and a couple of key changes have been made for the 3-game series. Some old guards are back in the team, while the senior players get rested. Ahead of a blockbuster first ODI, we look at Australia's probable XI.

What could be the possible combination for Australia in first ODI

Out of touch Head to open with Mitch Marsh

Australia's opening combination is sorted for the upcoming first ODI of the series. The team wants to go in with a left-right combination, and Head-Marsh fits the bill perfectly. The duo opened in the T20Is vs South Africa, and while Marsh had a great series, Head struggled for runs.

However, despite not scoring truckloads of runs in the T20Is, expect Head to fire in a format where he thrives the most. The two can be an aggressive batting pair, just like Head-Warner.

Labuschagne to get a nod at No.3

Labuschagne is going through a rough patch across formats, but the Aussie star thrives when playing under pressure. Plus, with no Steve Smith around, the Kangaroos need a bit of experience in the batting lineup, and Labuschagne brings that to the table.

(Labuschagne in ODIs)

• Not the best of stats in ODIs, but the team lacks a leader in the middle-order, and Labuschagne brings that leadership in the team.
• With two aggressive batters at the top, the side needs a batter who could stabilise the innings, and the Aussie batter fits the role perfectly.

Green at 5, why Connolly over Hardie?

Josh Inglis is likely to bat at number 4, and the batter has a terrific record in the ODIs for the Aussies. However, the team lacked X-factor at number 5, and Cameron Green could fulfill that role.

(Green stats in ODIs)

• 28 matches, 626 runs, with an outstanding average of almost 40, Green is a brilliant prospect at number 5. Moreover, he could turn the tides with his bowling, having taken 20 wickets in this format.
• Now, coming to the Aaron Hardie vs Cooper Connolly debate, the team could either go in with Australia's brightest prospect, Hardie, or a more established batting all-rounder in Connolly. However, in recent times, the Men in Yellow have backed Connolly across formats, and for the first ODI game, he could be given a nod ahead of his competitor.
• But if the 21-year-old fails to deliver in the first ODI, Australia could go back to Hardie as their all-rounder at number 6.

Could Hazlewood be rested? Plus, why Bartlett over Ellis

• For Australia, Ashes is the biggest series as they would love to beat England in the 5-game series, and for that, the side needs their most experienced bowler, Josh Hazlewood, to be at his best. The ODIs don't hold too much importance, but with limited experience in the side, Hazlewood could play the first two games and be rested for the third match.
• Adam Zampa will be the lone spinner in the side, and Ben Dwarshius will be the second pacer alongside Hazlewood. That leaves us with the third pacer choice between Bartlett, Ellis.

(Ellis vs Bartlett in ODIs)

• As the number suggests, Bartlett has been outstanding in just the two matches that he has played, and already has 8 wickets to his name. On the other hand, Ellis has struggled in ODIs, and due to this reason, the Aussies could go in with Bartlett as the third seamer.

Australia's probable XI Vs South Africa

Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshius

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