Australia and South Africa take on each other in the T20I series decider on August 16. The Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, hosted the first two T20Is, and now Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, will play host to the 3rd encounter. Australia beat South Africa in the 1st T20I before the visitors claimed a massive win in the 2nd to level the series. And now, it’s everything to play for in the series decider.

Notably, the venue is gearing up for its 1st ever T20I match. It has held Test and ODI matches before.

The manner in which South Africa responded in the 2nd T20I was good to see. They posted their highest T20I score against Australia, with the bowlers coming good thereafter. Notably, Aiden Markram will be pleased with his side’s bowling show in both matches thus far. He would be keen to see a similar approach in the 3rd and final clash.

For Australia, they would need more from their batters. Barring Tim David, who owns two successive fifties in this series, the performance has been flat. Mitchell Marsh will hope to come good alongside Travis Head, with the duo failing in both games. Meanwhile, Australia have seen Mitchell Owen get ruled out for the upcoming clash due to concussion effects. One is expected to see Josh Inglis make a return. He was dropped for the 2nd T20I after a duck in the opener.

Australia squad for the T20I series against South Africa

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

South Africa squad for the T20I series against Australia

Aiden Markram (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi NGIDI, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-Dre Prettorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rynkelton, Tristan stubbs, prenelan subrayen, rassie van der dussen.

In terms of the H2H record, Australia and South Africa have met 27 times in T20I cricket. The Aussies have a definite edge with a win-loss record of 18-9. In 9 meetings between the sides in Australia, the hosts own a 6-3 advantage.

Australia probable XI for the 3rd T20I

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

South Africa probable XI for the three-match series

Ryan Rickelton, Lhuan-de-Pretorius, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka.

The 3rd T20I match will start at 2:45pm IST on August 16 in Cairns.

Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin & Key Details of the Stadium

The Marrara Cricket Ground is located in Darwin, Australia. It’s also known as the T10 Stadium. This is a multiple purpose stadium with a seating capacity in excess of 12000. It primarily hosts sports like cricket, Australian rules football and rugby league. The stadium was opened in 1991. The stadium has hosted the Australian Football League and National Rugby League.

In terms of cricket, the stadium has hosted two Test matches back in 2003 and 2004. Australia won both those games, beating Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Besides, the stadium has also hosted 4 ODIs – all against Bangladesh. Australia prevailed in all these 4 games in 2003 and 2008.

However, no T20Is have been played here. This will be the 1st instance.

What is the Pitch Like at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns?

The Cazaly’s Stadium pitch usually offers early assistance for pacers, with swing and bounce. Pacers could make the most of these conditions in the powerplay. As the match wears on, the pitch tends to dry out and flatten, making stroke play easier for batters. Spinners are likely to have an impact in the middle overs.

Key Stats & Records at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns

As mentioned, no T20I matches have been held here. In Tests, former Aussie batter Matthew Hayden boasts most runs (299) from 2 matches at 99.66, as per Sponne. Meanwhile, Steve Smith owns the most runs in ODIs (167) at an average of 55-plus.

Among bowlers, Jason Gillespie has most Test wickets here (12). He averaged 20.83. In ODIs, New Zealand’s Trent Boult picked 10 scalps here from 3 games at 10.30.

Among team totals, Australia’s 556/4d is the best score here in Tests. They achieved it against Bangladesh in 2003. Australia’s 267/5 vs NZ in 2022 is the best ODI score here.

As per ESPNcricinfo, the average run rate for teams batting first here in ODIs read 4.12. This increases to 4.75 for teams batting 2nd.

Teams batting 2nd have won three out of 5 games at this venue.

AUS vs SA: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?

According to the weather forecast, the weather is expected to be perfect with conditions set to be very mild and pleasant in the evening. Meanwhile, the late-evening dew could be a concern as there will be some humidity.

AUS vs SA: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

It remains to be seen how the pitch behaves. The last international match here was in 2022. It could be a low-scoring affair with spinners playing a role. However, the team winning the toss could field first and see how things shape up. Both sides have able batters who can spend their time and play as per merit.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns

What is the pitch report for Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns?

The Cazaly’s Stadium pitch usually offers early assistance for pacers, with swing and bounce. Pace bowlers could make the most of these conditions in the powerplay. As the match wears on, the pitch tends to dry out and flatten. Spinners will have a role in the middle overs.

What is Australia’s record at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns?

As per SponneAustralia have played two Tests and 5 ODIs here at this venue. They have won all seven games. This is their 1st ever T20I clash here at this venue.