World Cup 2023, Match 10 | Australia Predicted XI vs South Africa

image-lnm1g4dnAustralia will be playing against South Africa in the 10th match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

The 2023 World Cup is flowing like fresh water with records being shattered every now and then. South Africa piled up the highest ever total in an innings in the World Cup while Pakistan boasted of a record run-chase against Sri Lanka. Another exciting match awaits in the card as South Africa square off against Australia in the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on October 12. This will be the second game for both sides in the coveted prestigious tournament and is slated to begin at 2:00 PM IST.

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South Africa kicked off the mega-event with a blast after making the Sri Lankan bowlers toil hard by securing 428 runs on the board. The gargantuan total was defended with ease by the Proteas with the bowlers chipping in as a total unit, causing a triumph by 102 runs. Australia, on the other hand, suffered a loss against hosts India despite initiating the defence superbly. Dew did play a part and they failed to defend a below par total of 199 runs against the class of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

Both sides indulged in a riveting bilateral series in the lead up to the World Cup with South Africa claiming 3-2 series win in the Fifty-overs format. So, let us quickly have a look at Australia's predicted XI against South Africa for this exciting clash.


Openers: David Warner and Mitch Marsh

Australia seems to be finding a new destructive pair every now and then. Earlier, it used to be the days of David Warner and Shane Watson, followed by Warner and Aaron Finch. Few months back, Travis Head took the spot and flourished. But now that the South Australian is injured, Mitch Marsh has taken up the role to assist Warner at the top of the order.

'The Bull' and 'The Bison' is yet another outstanding pair that can go berserk against any opponent on any day. Warner has been in scintillating form while Marsh has blown hot and cold. Both players are likely to open the batting.


Middle-Order: Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are the heart and soul of the Australian batting department. While the former has unofficially attained the G.O.A.T status, the latter complements his partner good enough.

Since returning from an injury, Smith has recorded four 40+ scores in his last six ODI innings. Marnus on the other hand, was initially pruned from the World Cup squad due to lack of impressive numbers. Commanding performance- a century against South Africa in Bloemfontein and some forty plus scores in recent innings forced the selectors to include him by substituting with injured Ashton Agar.


All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey

Australia's spin department heavily relies on Glenn Maxwell. Currently, he is more of a proper all-rounder than a batting all-rounder for the Australian side and henceforth will make the XI.

To what can be stated as positive news for the Kangaroos, Marcus Stoinis has recovered from his injury and had a long session prior to the game in Lucknow. The 'Hulk' had a long session of bowling on October 10 and was the last person to leave the training camp. If he's match fit, Stoinis is likely to replace Cameron Green.

If the skill of wicket keeping and batting can be referred to as an all-rounder, Alex Carey falls in this category. He is a decent batter and being a left-hander, the think-tank can use him as a flexible option. Without a doubt, Carey is the priority for this role over Josh Inglis.


Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood did a spectacular job with the new ball in the last game against India in Chennai. Although Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa did not earn a wicket, they add value to this bowling set-up and are an indispensable atom of this structure. Cummins is the skipper and will be leading the side while Zampa will be spearheading the spin department. He will play a key role in the surface of Lucknow which tends to favour spinners.

Australia Predicted XI vs South Africa

David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (ek), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Azam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood.