With Australia’s World Cup defense on the horizon, the upcoming second and third ODIs in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom provide a crucial opportunity for Alex Carey to reassert his place in the national side. While Carey’s limited-overs statistics were stellar as recently as 2025, his form dipped significantly throughout 2026, including a lackluster showing during the tour of Zimbabwe. 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 forced withdrawal of Josh Inglis due to injury creates a significant void, yet it hands Carey an immediate lifeline. Australia’s middle order has appeared fragile, particularly following the retirements of stalwarts Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis. These concerns were underscored during Thursday’s series opener, where the team collapsed from a comfortable position of 129/1 to be bundled out for just 230. And there is definitely scope for optimism given Australia’s middle order has looked jittery. Only to get bowled out for 230, that was evident on Thursday when Australia suffering a collapse despite being well-positioned in the run chase at 129/1.
Captain Pat Cummins is also in the spotlight, having not featured in an ODI for nearly 700 days. Since the 2023 World Cup final, he has made only two appearances in the format. Having sat out the first game, Cummins is expected to lead the side in this must-win encounter. Meanwhile, South Africa enters the match brimming with confidence after a strong opening victory in Durban, bolstered by Matthew Breetzke’s consistency and Marco Jansen’s explosive lower-order batting.
Match Details
- When: September 27, 2026 at 10 AM local time, 1:30 PM IST
- Where: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- What to Expect: Conditions are expected to be favorable for high scores under clear skies.
Team Updates
South Africa may introduce Aiden Markram to strengthen their batting lineup, while maintaining their successful bowling attack. Conversely, Australia expects Pat Cummins to return to the XI, likely replacing Jack Edwards, while Alex Carey will step in for the injured Josh Inglis. A little over a year later, Australia will have to return to these shores to defend their World Cup crown. All eyes will be on regular skipper Pat Cummins, apart from Carey.
Probable Playing XIs
South AfricaQuinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi/Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj.
AustraliaMitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood. Matt Renshaw has more or less cemented his spot and Cameron Green has come back.
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.
