Lucknow: This clash looms as a crucial battle for both Australia and South Africa, with the race for a semifinal berth at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup already looking like it will go right down to the wire at the Atal Behari Vajpayee Stadium here on Thursday.
Australia were stunned to a six-wicket loss to India in their tournament opener. The side will be keen to atone against a South Africa side that broke a host of records on their way to an impressive 102-run triumph over Sri Lanka in their first appearance at the event.
The opponents were recently engaged in a five match ODI series in South Africa. The Proteas won the series 3-2.
The battle between Australia fast bowlers and South Africa's top-order will be pivotal to the outcome of the match. Both teams will be hoping to gain the upper hand with a strong performance in this area of the game.
The experienced left-armer picked up just one wicket during Australia's opening match at the tournament. He sent India opener Ishan Kishan packing in the very first over of the match.
Early breakthroughs are going to be crucial for Australia in this match given South Africa's strong batting line-up and Starc will be hoping he can get some swing from the wicket and make inroads.
The right-hander looked in superb touch when he smashed the fastest century in Men's Cricket World Cup history against Sri Lanka and is sure to be the prized wicket that the Aussies will be chasing, reported ICC.
Markram brought up his hundred with a huge six off Dilshan Madushanka, reaching the milestone off just 49 deliveries and beating the previous record held by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien against England in 2011, by one delivery.
The South African No.4 is more than capable of adjusting his playing style to the different conditions that he comes across to. He will be keen for another big score.
Squads
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams. (UNI)
