Australia Stars Who Must Perform In South Africa ODIs To Avoid 2027 World Cup Exclusion

Some Australian stars are in make-or-break position for SA ODIs [Source: AFP]

Australia will kick off their highly anticipated multi-format tour of South Africa with a three-match ODI series against the hosts. The opening encounter of the series will be played at the iconic Kingsmead in Durban on September 24, Thursday. 

Led by Mitchell Marsh, the Australian side recently enjoyed stellar success in Zimbabwe, swatting aside the home team by three-nil. While the comeback of regular skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc strengthens the Australia ODI squad vs South Africa, the likes of Marsh, Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Adam Zampa will be on spotlight throughout the series. 

On the other hand, there are several players who are in a make-or-break situation to prove themselves in South Africa. With the Australian think tank finalising the core team for the 2027 World Cup, three first-choice cricketers must live up to the expectations in South Africa to keep their places safe for the marquee event. 

1. Alex Carey

(Alex Carey's ODI numbers have dipped in 2026)

Alex Carey once used to be the backbone of Australia's batting order. From his debut in 2018 to 2025, Carey amassed 2245 runs at a healthy average of 35.08 and a strike rate of 90.67. 

However, his numbers with the bat have significantly dipped in 2026, with Carey managing only 187 runs in nine ODI outings at a mediocre average of 20.78 and a strike rate of 70.57. 

Josh Inglis has emerged as a strong candidate to play as Australia's first-choice wicketkeeper in the 2027 World Cup. Since 2025, Inglis has clobbered 576 runs, averaging 44.31 and striking at 98.63 in 14 innings with the help of two hundreds and three half-centuries. 

Also Read: Shafali Verma Tops Most Runs In Calendar Year In WT20Is During Women's Asian Games Final

While Carey is 35, Inglis, 31, offers a younger wicketkeeping option to the Australian team. His red-hot form and ability to play shots all around the park makes the South Africa series a make-or-break for Alex Carey. 

2. Cameron Green

(Cameron Green has had a torrid run in 2026)

Experienced allrounder Cameron Green had a remarkable start to his ODI career, scoring 782 runs at an average of 43.44 and a strike rate of 89.58 in his first 27 innings. However, Green has struggled to get going with the bat in 2026. 

Statistically, the right-hander has managed 164 runs at a modest average of 32.80 in ODIs this year. His strike rate of 62.84 highlights Green's failure in scoring at desirable pace. 

Added to that, Green has been prone to injuries and recently missed the ODI series in Zimbabwe. Persistent fitness issues have limited his role as a bowler, with Green delivering only 15 overs in six ODIs in 2026. 

In his absence, Australia are grooming youngster Oliver Peake as a potential candidate for the 2027 World Cup. So, if Peake fulfils his potential but Green lets the Australians down in South Africa, the latter might fall behind the former in the pecking order for the showpiece event. 

3. Josh Hazlewood

(Josh Hazlewood's bowling form has regressed)

Josh Hazlewood has undoubtedly been one of the biggest match-winners for Australia in international cricket. The fast bowler, who bagged 132 wickets in 84 innings from 2010 to 2023, have scalped only 12 wickets in as many ODI outings since 2024. 

Although Hazlewood has maintained an exceptional economy of 4.92 in this period, he has a strike rate of 78 in the powerplay since 2024. His strike rate in the powerplay was an impressive 43.9 in ODIs from 2010 to 2023. 

Like Cameron Green, Hazlewood has also sustained multiple injury setbacks in recent times. With Xavier Bartlett (20 wickets in 10 ODIs) emerging as his first-choice replacement, Hazlewood must convince the Australian selectors with his form and fitness to remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup. 

Also Read: Australia Make Massive Plans With Zimbabwe For 2027 World Cup