Match Details
- When: September 27, 2026 at 10 AM local time, 1:30 PM IST
- Where: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- What to Expect: Clear skies and a high-scoring surface are anticipated for this encounter.
Australia faces a critical second ODI against South Africa, seeking to bounce back from a disappointing collapse in the series opener. Despite being well-positioned at 129/1 during Thursday’s chase in Durban, the tourists lost their momentum to finish all out for 230. The loss is compounded by the injury of wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the series. This opening allows Alex Carey to reclaim his spot in the XI. While Carey demonstrated excellent form in 2025, his output dipped significantly throughout 2026, including a lackluster performance during the recent Zimbabwe tour. The second and third ODIs – in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom – present Alex Carey with an excellent opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the Australian XI again, from that standpoint. However, those numbers have dwindled in 2026, with the recent series in Zimbabwe – co-hosts of the 2027 World Cup – not proving productive either. A quick recall to the ODI XI is on the cards to prove his worth, but for Carey. He did skip the opening ODI but the result could force him to return to the XI for this decisive game, with the Test series coming up.
The Australian middle order remains a concern as the team works to fill the void left by the retirements of stalwarts Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis. While Matt Renshaw has shown stability and Cameron Green has returned to the fold, the side lacks consistent conviction. Adding to the lineup’s potential shift is the possible return of captain Pat Cummins. Having skipped the first ODI, Cummins is eyeing a comeback nearly 700 days after his last appearance in the format, having played just two ODIs since the 2023 World Cup final. Should he return, Jack Edwards is expected to drop out. A little over a year later, Australia will have to return to these shores to defend their World Cup crown. And there is definitely scope for optimism given Australia’s middle order has looked jittery.
South Africa enters the contest buoyed by a strong performance in Durban, where they overcame significant injuries within their fast-bowling unit. The hosts are considering a tactical reshuffle by including Aiden Markram to further strengthen their batting lineup. Matthew Breetzke continues his impressive run in 50-over cricket, and Marco Jansen provided a vital contribution in the opener with a hard-hitting half-century.
Probable Starting XIs
- South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi/Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj
- Australia: Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Important Details
- The hosts might not necessarily make changes to their bowling attack but there could be a reshuffle in the batting department if Markram slots in.
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