Australia Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa- 1st ODI, 2026

Australia Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa- 1st ODI, 2026. PC- AFPAfter conquering Zimbabwe, Australia will face South Africa in a three-match ODI series, starting with the 1st ODI at Kingsmead, Durban, on Thursday (September 24).Against the Chevrons, the Aussies were without Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins of their fiery Big Three. Meanwhile, the Australian captain will miss the AUS vs SA 1st ODI to get ready for the Test matches. In the absence of the star bowlers, Nathan Ellis came to the rescue and ended the Zimbabwean series with nine scalps in three innings. Not just the under-experienced bowlers, the lesser-tested batters, such as Cooper Connolly and Matt Renshaw, proved the bold move made by the selectors was right. Nevertheless, in this article, we will analyse what could be the Australia Playing XI vs South Africa for 1st ODI. Top Order: Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Cooper ConnollyAs Pat Cummins will miss from the Australia Playing XI vs South Africa for 1st ODI, Mitchell Marsh will continue leading the Australian side. Although he could notch up just 97 runs against Zimbabwe, the swashbuckling opener will hold the key if the visitors need to do well in this series. Travis Head returned to his illustrious best in the second ODI vs Zimbabwe, smashing an 84-ball 112. He was opening the innings when Australia toured South Africa the last time in 2023, but he could only score a solitary half-century then. The southpaw will look to go bigger this time around. Cooper Connolly was the Player of the Series in Zimbabwe, and the youngster has made the number 3 his own. The all-rounder is regarded as the next big thing in Australian cricket, and the AUS vs SA series will be a great opportunity to prove it. Middle Order: Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Matt RenshawJosh Inglis is coming afresh with a marvellous century in the last outing. The wicketkeeper will play a vital cog in the middle order. Thus, he would be retained in the Australia Playing XI vs South Africa for 1st ODI.Cameron Green was absent throughout the Zimbabwe ODIs, but the all-rounder is expected to play in the AUS vs SA ODIs. The all-rounder will replace the young Oliver Peake, bringing three-dimensional ability to the fold. Alex Carey could only score 81 runs in three ODIs vs Zimbabwe. Although the experienced batter would start, he would need to perform to play over Peake. Matt Renshaw came to rescue when Australia were under the pump in the first ODI in Zimbabwe, scoring a majestic ton. He will be included in the AUS Playing XI vs SA for the 1st ODI, but his last two outings were not par. Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam ZampaMitchell Starc would return to the ODI fold, having last played a fixture in the format last year in October vs India. Regarded as an undisputed legend in the longer formats, Starc is nearly at the 250-wicket mark in ODIs. However, he would view these matches as a preparatory ground for the ODI World Cup 2027. Josh Hazlewood, who played just one fixture in Zimbabwe, will start in the AUS vs SA 1st ODI. The right-arm seamer will bowl alongside his OG new-ball partner, Starc. Meanwhile, Hazlewood has enjoyed a little success in the South African conditions, bagging 8 wickets in five ODIs. With Pat Cummins uncertain for the ODIs, Nathan Ellis will get slotted in the Australia Playing XI vs South Africa for 1st ODI, especially after he bagged 9 wickets in the three ODIs vs Zimbabwe, including a prized five for 31 in the first match. Adam Zampa recently made history when he broke Shane Warne's record after bagging 150 wickets. As the leg-spinner bowled well in Zimbabwe, he would like to stretch it in the Australia Playing XI vs South Africa for 1st ODI.Australia Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa, 1st ODIMitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa