Predicting AUS’s Playing XI for the 1st ODI against SA in South Africa Tour of Australia 2025

Australia enters the first ODI against South Africa filled with confidence after a tightly contested T20I series, winning the decider by just two wickets in Cairns. The series showed that Australia has plenty of depth in both batting and bowling, with Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, and Nathan Ellis coming up with the goods. As the ODI series begins, Australia will want to continue its momentum forward. However, South Africa is also a very strong side with damaging batsmen such as Dewald Brevis and Rassie van der Dussen.

Openers

Australia is likely to have Travis Head and Josh Inglis opening the innings in the first ODI. Travis Head was able to show his aggression with the bat during the T20I decider when he scored 19 runs off 18 balls before falling to Aiden Markram. The way he can rotate the strike as well as capitalise on loose balls means he was a natural choice to provide Australia with a solid start.

Josh Inglis was also dismissed cheaply during the last T20I, but he is an experienced ODI opener and a natural attacking player. Inglis can put pressure on the South African bowlers during the powerplay overs, and after his recent ODI batting display, the West Australian will be eager to give himself a good start at the top.

Middle Order

Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell have been earmarked for the middle order for Australia. Marsh’s 54 from 37 balls in Cairns showcased his capability to settle into the innings, but then unleash when necessary. He generally doesn’t take too much risk, but he is a match-winner, especially after Australia has had some early misfortunes.

Glenn Maxwell provided the X-factor – he finished unbeaten with 62 from 36 balls. He dares to hit the ball over the ropes effortlessly and can innovate under pressure. This ability makes him hard to bowl to, especially in a pressing moment.

All-Rounders

Watch out for Tim David and Cameron Green—they could provide the depth and versatility Australia needs in the middle order! Cameron can not only bat and seam bowl at pace, but in a fallback, with Green’s bowling all-rounders, the balance is there.

Cameron is an intense hitter of the ball, as well as being able to bowl medium pace, and possesses the traits of a finisher that can swing a game in a matter of overs. Both are all-rounders, which creates considerable flexibility in the line-up that allows the captain to potentially attack – or knuckle down.

Bowlers

Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis will be leading the bowling attack for Australia. Hazlewood has shown consistency and skill to be able to capitalize on early movement in the last T20 that he played last summer, where he bowled a 4-over spell for 2 wickets at 7.50 runs per over.

Ellis, who took 3 wickets in Cairns, has shown that he can break partnerships while building pressure at important times. Adam Zampa is a great partner to complete the pace duo as he has shown he can easily take those key wickets in the middle overs.

FAQs

Q: Who are the likely openers for Australia in the 1st ODI against South Africa?

A: Travis Head and Josh Inglis are expected to open the innings.

Q: Which middle-order batters will be key for Australia?

A: Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell will stabilize and accelerate the innings.

Q: Who are Australia’s all-rounders in the predicted XI?

A: Keep an eye on Cameron Green and Tim David—they can influence the game with both bat and ball!

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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