The Proteas begin their three-match ODI series against Australia at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Thursday, with Shukri Conrad facing some interesting selection decisions for the series opener. Here’s the BetJets News Best XI we’d select to face Australia in Thursday’s first ODI.
ALSO READ: Proteas Players to Watch vs Australia: Four Men Who Could Shape the ODI Series.
1. Quinton de Kock (WK)
There is little debate over who should take one of the opening positions.
Quinton de Kock returns to the ODI squad after being rested for the recent series against Namibia and immediately strengthens the Proteas’ batting.
Few players in world cricket are as dangerous as De Kock once he gets going. His ability to attack during the Powerplay can immediately put Australia under pressure and allow the batters around him to settle into their roles.
With the gloves also safely in his hands, De Kock should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
2. Ryan Rickelton
Partnering De Kock at the top should be Ryan Rickelton.
The left-hander gives South Africa another naturally attacking option and has developed into an increasingly important member of the Proteas’ white-ball setup.
There is a potential drawback to pairing two left-handers at the top, but the attacking potential outweighs that concern. Against an Australian attack containing the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, South Africa will need openers willing to take the initiative.
De Kock and Rickelton certainly fit that description.
3. Temba Bavuma (C)
Captain Temba Bavuma slots naturally into the crucial No. 3 position.
With explosive players surrounding him, Bavuma can provide the stability required to hold an innings together. If an early wicket falls, he has the temperament to absorb pressure. If the openers provide a flying start, he can rotate the strike and allow South Africa’s power hitters to continue attacking.
His leadership will be just as important.
The Proteas are missing considerable experience from their bowling attack, making Bavuma’s management of his resources particularly important against a strong Australian batting line-up.
4. Matthew Breetzke
Matthew Breetzke has made an outstanding start to his ODI career and deserves an extended opportunity at No. 4.
South Africa have no shortage of middle-order options, but Breetzke has demonstrated that he can combine controlled batting with aggression. Coach Conrad has specifically spoken about wanting a middle order capable of being explosive while also absorbing pressure and taking an innings deep.
Breetzke looks ideally suited to that role.
His ability to adapt to different match situations makes him particularly valuable. Whether South Africa are 40/2 or 150/2, Breetzke has the game to build an innings before accelerating.
5. David Miller
Few names on the South African team sheet will concern Australia more than David Miller.
The veteran remains one of the Proteas’ premier white-ball finishers and brings enormous experience to a relatively youthful middle order.
Miller’s role should remain simple: give him enough time to establish himself before allowing him to attack during the closing stages.
With Breetzke ahead of him and Stubbs behind him, South Africa have the flexibility to move Miller depending on the match situation. If a platform has been established, he can be promoted and unleashed earlier.
6. Tristan Stubbs
Tristan Stubbs completes a potentially devastating South African middle order.
Stubbs’ power is obvious, but his development into a more complete batter has made him significantly more valuable than simply being a late-innings hitter.
At No. 6, he can play according to the situation. South Africa could require him to rebuild alongside Miller, or he could arrive with 10 overs remaining and immediately attack.
Breetzke, Miller and Stubbs at four, five and six gives the Proteas an exciting combination of composure and destructive hitting.
7. Marco Jansen
Marco Jansen provides the balance that makes this XI possible.
The towering left-arm seamer is an automatic selection when available because of his ability to influence games with both bat and ball. His height and angle offer something different with the new ball, while his batting gives South Africa genuine depth at No. 7.
His importance is magnified by the injuries to Rabada, Ngidi and Baartman.
Without those experienced seamers, Jansen becomes one of the senior figures in the attack and will be expected to take responsibility with the new ball.
8. Corbin Bosch
Corbin Bosch gives South Africa another genuine all-round option.
Batting him at No. 8 means the Proteas would have considerable depth, with Bosch capable of contributing valuable runs while also operating as one of the frontline seamers.
His presence alongside Jansen also gives Bavuma greater flexibility. Instead of relying on four specialist bowlers to deliver the majority of the overs, South Africa would have two seam-bowling all-rounders capable of sharing a significant workload.
That could prove particularly useful given the depleted pace resources available for the opener.
9. Keshav Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj remains South Africa’s premier ODI spinner and should play.
His greatest strength is control. While the seamers attack around him, Maharaj can squeeze opposition batters through the middle overs, build pressure and force mistakes.
His experience is another major asset.
Australia’s batting line-up contains plenty of aggressive players, and slowing the scoring rate through the middle of the innings could be critical to preventing the visitors from setting up a huge finish.
10. Bjorn Fortuin
The more interesting decision would be partnering Maharaj with Bjorn Fortuin.
Selecting two left-arm spinners is unconventional, particularly when Gerald Coetzee is available, but it would give South Africa a bowling attack designed to control the middle overs while still retaining three seam options through Jansen, Bosch and Maphaka.
Fortuin also offers useful batting depth and has become an increasingly experienced member of South Africa’s white-ball setup.
The decision would ultimately depend heavily on the Kingsmead surface. If conditions favour spin, pairing Fortuin with Maharaj becomes an especially attractive option.
11. Kwena Maphaka
The final spot goes to Kwena Maphaka.
With Rabada, Ngidi and Baartman unavailable, this series presents a huge opportunity for the young left-arm quick. South Africa need somebody capable of providing genuine pace and wicket-taking threat, and Maphaka has the raw tools to do exactly that.
There will naturally be pressure against an Australian batting order featuring players such as Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green, but these are precisely the contests South Africa need Maphaka to experience as they build towards a home World Cup.
Partnering fellow left-armer Jansen also gives the Proteas two very different types of pace from the same angle.
Bet on the Proteas as they take on Australia in the first ODI at Kingsmead on Thursday morning.
Lwanele is the Content Manager for BetJets News and has dedicated six years to creating top-notch sports betting content for major bookmakers, establishing himself as a trusted source for betting advice. As the resident tipster for TAB’s popular TV show Racing Today, he specialises in cricket, MMA, and soccer betting. Known for his keen analysis and practical tips, Lwanele provides BetJets readers with the tools they need to approach betting with confidence and strategy.
