South Africa look to sew up series in Adelaide

Overview
Australia v South Africa
2nd ODI
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Friday, 9 November, 2:20pm local time, 03:50am GMT

South Africa, who themselves have had a few problems in 50-over cricket of late, were absolutely dominant against Australia in the first ODI in Perth.

That defeat extended Australia's losing streak – which had begun in the very city early in 2018 – to seven matches. They would have hoped to put their troubles behind them after having returned to the comforts of home, but that wasn't to be.

Australia's batting frailties came to the fore again against a very strong South African bowling attack. Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi extracted extra bounce to rip through the top order, while Andile Phehlukwayo and Imran Tahir did most of the damage in the middle and lower order.

South Africa will be pleased with how the bowling department is shaping up for the ICC Men's World Cup 2019. With Steyn back and firing, they have an extra edge to what was a good attack anyway. Phehlukwayo's nagging pace and accuracy lend another dimension to the line-up.

South Africa's batting, which has blown hot and blown cold a bit in recent times, was decent in the first game, but they will want to do better. Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram got positive starts but none of them were able to bat on and see out a small chase. Faf du Plessis too was scratchy in his unbeaten knock of 10 from 24 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen was out for two.

For Australia, the batting problems appear to be more severe. There is plenty of skill in that department, but the likes of Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head need consistency. Aaron Finch has been Australia's most reliable batsman since the suspensions to David Warner and Steve Smith. He was dismissed cheaply in the first game, but needs to lead from the front, as everyone knows he can.

As for the bowling, Australia shouldn't have too many complaints, although they weren't as effective as the South Africans in the first game. Coming from a lengthy injury layoff, Josh Hazlewood seemed a little off his rhythm, but one can expect him to hit back. Pat Cummins was impressive even though he too was playing an ODI for Australia after over 10 months.

Marcus Stoinis was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/16 in the first game. He'll want to take some of that confidence into his batting.

Australia last ODI victory came in Adelaide on January 26. They'll be desperate to end their losing streak with another win at the venue.

Key players

Marcus Stoinis (Australia): The all-rounder took 3/16 from just 4.2 overs in the first game, and will be high on confidence. It will be crucial for him to find form with the bat, though. An in-form Stoinis will help bring depth to the line-up, and he certainly has the ability – he has one century and four fifties to his name from 19 games.

Quinton de Kock (South Africa): Although de Kock was unable to convert his start in the first game, some of the strokes he played indicated that he might have rediscovered his touch. The wicket-keeper-batsman will be keen to build on that promising start he has had to the series.

Conditions

It promises to be bright and sunny with the temperature not expected to exceed 24° C. As for the pitch, there should be plenty of runs in it.

Squads

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, D’Arcy Short, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn