Australia's Predicted Playing XI Vs South Africa, 2nd ODI, 2026

Australia players (Source: AFP Photos)After a 67-run defeat in the first ODI on Thursday at Kingsmead, Durban, Australia and South Africa will meet again on Sunday (September 27) in the second ODI at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.As the ODI leg is a three-match series, a defeat for Australia in Johannesburg will make sure they won’t have a chance to win it despite a match to happen later.Australia have already dealt a huge blow before even taking the field for the second ODI vs South Africa. Their specialist No. 4 Josh Inglis will be sidelined for a good amount of time due to a fractured finger.Therefore, how could the Australia playing XI form against South Africa for the upcoming fixture? Let’s take a closer look a that.Openers & No. 3: Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head & Cooper ConnollyMitchell Marsh batted valiantly against South Africa in the ODI opener, having smashed six sixes and five fours while making 60 runs off just 36 balls. Travis Head, too, did his bit, scoring 36 runs in 37 balls to take Australia to 90 runs in just 9.1 overs without any damage.Cooper Connolly, Australia’s new No. 3 in ODIs, was impressive as well. He made 38 off 42 balls, and gave up only seven runs in his only over. Thanks to them, Australia had a score of 129 runs while losing only wicket in 16.1 overs.Middle-Order & Wicket-Keeper: Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Oliver Peake & Alex Carey (WK)With Inglis beng ruled out of the remainder of Australia vs South Africa ODIs, Australia might promote Matt Renshaw to No. 4. Renshaw, coming to bat at No. 5, did more than a decent job last time, scoring 44 runs off 49 balls until Gerald Coetzee dismissed him.Also Read: Matthew Breetzke Blows Away Australia; List Of Records Attained After Sensational HundredCameron Green, who did not bowl a single over last time, could only make 5 runs off 10 balls. He might be required to bowl this time around, as Australia would like to tweak a little from their last playing XI. Besides, he has to step up with the bat as well, given that expectations get high around him whenever he is on the field.As Jack Edwards conceded 56 runs for no wicket in his 10 overs and could only muster 5 off 15 balls on his debut, Australia might look to replace him with Oliver Peake, who can chip with his handy off-spin option as well.To take up the big gloves, Australia, who have not announced any replacement for Inglis, is all set to give Alex Carey an opportunity to perform. He will be the wicket-keeper, as well as a very important member for the No. 7 role.Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa & Josh HazlewoodAustralia are unlikely to make any changes in their primary bowling attack despite little impact in their previous outing. While Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa took five wickets between them, Mitchell Starc went wicketless, conceding 60 runs off his 10 overs.On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood, whose future is in doubt for Australia vs South Africa Tests, returned figures of 1/50 off his 10 overs, with two maidens.Australia's Probable Playing XI For 2nd ODI Vs South AfricaMitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Oliver Peake, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh HazlewoodAlso Read: India A Strongest XI For Australia A ODIs In Hardik Pandya's Absence