After winning the three-match T20I series by a 2-1 margin, Australia are set to take on South Africa once again, and this time in a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series. The series starts on August 19, with the first match will be played at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns. The venue also hosted the final T20I clash between the two teams.

Meanwhile, the second and third ODIs will take place at Mackay’s newly renovated Great Barrier Reef Arena on August 22 and August 24, respectively.

Both teams are in transition with new players coming into the fold. For Australia, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell have retired from ODIs. Also, the likes of Mitchell Owen, Spencer Johnson and Matt Short are injured. Apart from that, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sean Abbott, and Tanveer Sangha have been left out of the squad.

South Africa have their ODI skipper back in Temba Bavuma. He was last seen in the ICC World Test Championship final, helping SA win the trophy. Alongside Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder and top-order batters Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi have been drafted in. The rest of the side is similar to the just-concluded T20I series.

Australia squad for the ODI series against South Africa

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa.

South Africa squad for the ODI series against Australia

Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony De Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lungi Ngidi, LHUAN-DRETORI Kagiso rabada, ryan rickelton, tristan stubbs, prenelan subrayen.

Australia probable XI for 1st ODI

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

South Africa probable XI for 1st ODI

Ryan Rickelton (WC), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (C), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

In terms of the H2H record, Australia and South Africa have met 110 times in ODI cricket. The tally has been tight. Australia have won 51 matches to South Africa’s 55. Three matches have been tied with one game not seeing a result.

The 1st ODI match will start at 10:00am IST on August 19 in Cairns.

Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns and key details of the stadium

The Cazaly’s Stadium is located in Westcourt, Cairns. It was established in 1957 and has a 12000 seating capacity. Queensland use this venue as its home ground. The stadium staged its first Test in 2003. From 1997 to 1998, a sum of $2.4 million was spent upgrading the stadium. This included acquiring the western grandstand from the Gabba in Brisbane and the installation of four light towers. Thereafter, in 2008, another $3 million was spent upgrading the stadium.

A total of 5 ODI matches have been held here. In 2003, Australia beat Bangladesh 2-0 and in 2022, the Aussies tamed New Zealand 3-0.

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

The Cazaly’s Stadium pitch is expected to be on the slower side. Usually offers early assistance for pacers, with swing and bounce. Pacers could make the most of these conditions in the 1st 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. Teams would want to chase first after winning the toss.

Key Stats & Records at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns

As mentioned, 5 ODI matches have been held here. Steve Smith is the top scorer here with 167 runs from three matches at 55.66. Among active players, Alex Carey has 139 runs here at 69.50.

Among bowlers, New Zealand’s Trent Boult owns 10 scalps here at 10.30. Meanwhile, Australian spinner Adam Zampa, who will play in this series, owns 7 wickets at an average of 18.

The highest ODI score here at this venue is 267/5 for Australia vs NZ on September 11, 2022. NZ own the lowest score here, posting 82 runs on September 8, 2022.

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 for the 1st ODI 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 the 3rd T20I between Australia and South Africa recently. SA scored 172/7 in 20 overs before Australia won the match by two wickets. Bowlers had a strong game for both sides. The likes of Dewald Brevis, Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell did well with the bat.

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 1st 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 5 ODIs here at this venue. They have won all 5 games, beating Bangladesh and New Zealand respectively.