A little over a year later, Australia will have to return to these shores to defend their World Cup crown. From that standpoint, the second and third ODIs – in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom – present Alex Carey with an excellent opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the Australian XI again. Carey’s ODI numbers as recently as 2025 were excellent. However, those numbers have dwindled in 2026, with the recent series in Zimbabwe – co-hosts of the 2027 World Cup – not proving productive either.
Losing Josh Inglis for the rest of the series and perhaps for the rest of the tour is a massive blow for Australia. But for Carey, a quick recall to the ODI XI is on the cards to prove his worth. And there is definitely scope for optimism given Australia’s middle order has looked jittery. Matt Renshaw has more or less cemented his spot and Cameron Green has come back. However, the retirements of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis did leave a void that hasn’t been completely filled with conviction yet. That was evident on Thursday when Australia suffering a collapse despite being well-positioned in the run chase at 129/1, only to get bowled out for 230.
Apart from Carey, all eyes will be on regular skipper Pat Cummins. It’s been almost 700 days since Cummins last featured in the format. In fact, post the 2023 World Cup final, he has played just two ODIs. With the Test series coming up, he did skip the opening ODI but the result could force him to return to the XI for this decisive game. South Africa on the other hand will look to welcome Aiden Markram to bolster a line-up that already put in a top performance in the series opener. Despite suffering multiple injuries in the fast-bowling department, South Africa came out on top in Durban.
Matthew Breetzke continues to impress in 50-over cricket and Marco Jansen stood tall down the order with a blistering half-century. Given how the bowling attack delivered in unison, Marco’s twin brother might have to wait for his turn despite impressing against Zimbabwe and Namibia in recent times.
When: September 27, 2026 at 10 AM local time, 1;30 PM IST
Where: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
What to expect: The venue has a reputation for being a high-scoring one. Clear skies are expected during the game.
Team News
South Africa
The hosts might not necessarily make changes to their bowling attack but there could be a reshuffle in the batting department if Markram slots in.
Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi/Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj
Australia
If Cummins does return, Jack Edwards will be expected to pave way for the regular skipper. Carey replacing Inglis will be a forced change.
Probable XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
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