Australia's Predicted Playing XI. [Source - AFP]Australia will face South Africa in the third and final ODI at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, on Wednesday, September 30. The visitors have already surrendered the series after South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Meanwhile, Australia will be desperate to finish the series on a positive note after struggling in the first two ODIs. Their bowling attack has found it difficult to close out innings after the powerplay, while the middle-order has also faltered under pressure.The Australian batters will need to find answers after their middle-order collapses while chasing totals in both ODIs. With the series already beyond their reach, they will be determined to avoid a clean sweep and secure a consolation victory.Ahead of the clash, here's Australia's predicted playing XI vs South Africa for the third ODI of the three-match series at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom.Top order: Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Cooper ConnollyMitchell Marsh has been brilliant as stand-in captain, leading Australia’s charge inside the powerplay with the bat. He has scored 144 runs in the series, including two half-centuries, while striking at an impressive 162.69.Travis Head has provided strong support at the top alongside Marsh, scoring 120 runs in the series so far. He was particularly impressive in the second ODI, smashing 84 and giving Australia hope during their chase.Cooper Connolly is expected to continue at No. 3 in Australia’s predicted playing XI vs South Africa for the third ODI despite an underwhelming series. He has managed only 48 runs across the first two matches.Middle order and Allrounders: Alex Carey (WK), Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Jack EdwardsAlex Carey is expected to bat at No. 4 and take the wicketkeeping gloves in the Australia predicted playing XI vs South Africa. Josh Inglis’ injury opens the door, while Carey scored 17 off 21 in the last ODI.Matt Renshaw should continue at No. 5 as the left-hander made a couple of promising starts in the first two ODIs. He has scored 76 runs in the series but will want to convert one to help Australia avoid the clean sweep.Also Read: Temba Bavuma Joins Babar Azam, MS Dhoni In Elite ODI List With Century vs AustraliaOliver Peake is expected to replace Cameron Green in the Australia predicted playing XI vs South Africa. Green has struggled badly with the bat, scoring just 22 runs in two ODIs and is not bowling, while Peake last featured in ODIs against Zimbabwe.Jack Edwards should retain his place at No. 7 in the Australia predicted playing XI vs South Africa after claiming a five-wicket haul in the second ODI. Australia will want to give the promising pace-bowling all-rounder more opportunities.Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam ZampaXavier Bartlett is expected to take the new ball in the Australia predicted playing XI vs South Africa after featuring in the second ODI. He impressed with the bat too, smashing 50 off 38 balls.Pat Cummins is likely to return to the Australia playing XI vs South Africa after missing the first two ODIs, with Nathan Ellis ruled out due to injury. Cummins will also take over the captaincy duties for the third ODI.Mitchell Starc is set to replace Josh Hazlewood in the Australia predicted playing XI vs South Africa after being rested for the second ODI. His return will add experience to the pace attack while also allowing Hazlewood to get some rest.Adam Zampa will lead the spin attack in the Australia predicted playing XI vs South Africa, having taken 205 ODI wickets. He is likely to be supported by finger spinners Cooper Connolly and Matt Renshaw.Australia's Playing XI Vs South Africa for 3rd ODIMitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey (WK), Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam ZampaAlso Read: Perth Scorchers Sign Zak Crawley To Replace KKR Star For BBL 2026-27
