Australia land in South Africa to renew one of international cricket's great rivalries.
From their era-defining 1999 ODI World Cup semi-final, South Africa's historic 438-run chase in 2006 and the 2018 'sandpapergate' scandal - this match-up has had it all.
Although there is a Test series on the horizon, they will first play a trio of one-day internationals, with the curtain-raiser taking place on Thursday in Durban.
Set against the backdrop of the 2027 ODI World Cup that will take place in South Africa, this series will be of upmost importance for both sides, but especially the home team who are preparing to win the biggest prize in the international game for the very first time.
Australia head into this as reigning world champions and are 4/6 to take the opener. Series success over Zimbabwe was expected, but 2-1 defeats to Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier in the year have to be a worry as they take on opposition this strong.
As well as Australia's inconsistent recent form, the Proteas can also take confidence from the 2-1 series defeat that they themselves inflicted on their opponents in Australia little over 12 months ago. Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj bowled their side to glory, picking up seven and six wickets respectively to help put South Africa into an unassailable lead after two matches.
Unfortunately for the hosts, they will be without Ngidi, as well as three other fast bowlers, for the duration of the series. Star seamer Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka join Ngidi on the treatment table after all suffering hamstring injuries.
Attentions will therefore turn to Gerald Coetzee -- last seen playing 50-over cricket for his country in 2023 -- to rip through the Australian top order. The 25-year-old has suffered badly with injuries himself down the years but looks have put some of those problems behind him for now.
Australia will be without their skipper Pat Cummins for the opening match as he prioritises his fitness for the Test series, leaving Mitchell Marsh to captain the side whilst Mitchell Starc leads the attack alongside Josh Hazlewood. Nathan Ellis is another seam option for the away side and they could have Cameron Green back if he has recovered from a shoulder problem.
South Africa v Australia 1st ODI betting odds
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South Africa predicted XI
Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Lizaad Williams.
Australia predicted XI
Mitchell March (C), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc.
