The Australian cricket team has unveiled its starting lineup for the highly anticipated first One Day International (ODI) match against South Africa, set to take place in Bloemfontein on Thursday, September 7. This clash promises to be an electrifying encounter, as both teams gear up for a thrilling series.

In a strategic move, the Australian tourists have opted to field two spinners in their starting eleven. Notably, the squad also includes both of their designated wicketkeepers selected for the upcoming World Cup.

All-rounder extraordinaire Mitchell Marsh has been entrusted with the captaincy role, leading the team in the absence of Pat Cummins. Marsh's recent performance in the T20I series was nothing short of spectacular, amassing an impressive total of 186 runs in just three matches, including two outstanding half-centuries and a high score of 92 not out.

The explosive opening batsman, David Warner, returns to action after a well-deserved rest during the T20I series. Warner will join forces at the top of the order with Travis Head. The crucial middle-order positions will be manned by the dual keeper-batters, Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, while Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis are expected to slot into the fourth and seventh positions, respectively.

Warner's return has led to a change in Marsh's batting plans. He expressed his willingness to take on the middle-order role, recognizing Warner as a legendary figure in one-day and white-ball cricket. Marsh emphasized this point, stating, "I expect to bat in the middle order. Things may change, but Davey is literally one of the GOATs of one-day cricket and white-ball cricket in general. We have Travis Head and Australia's best-ever all-three-format player there, so I dare say I probably won't be opening the batting."

The Australian squad is riding high on confidence after a triumphant sweep of the T20I series, securing a 3-0 victory. However, the Proteas will not be easily shaken, boasting their first-choice lineup, including Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, and Quinton de Kock.

Australia's Starting XI for the 1st ODI Against South Africa:

David Warner
Travis Head
Mitch Marsh (c)
Cameron Green
Josh Inglis
Alex Carey
Marcus Stoinis
Sean Abbott
Ashton Agar
Josh Hazlewood
Adam Zampa
In addition to revealing their starting lineup, the Australian selectors have also finalized their 15-player squad for the upcoming 2023 World Cup. Notably, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, and Aaron Hardie missed the cut. The five-time World Cup champions are poised to engage in five ODIs against South Africa, followed by an additional three against India, setting the stage for an action-packed cricketing season.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]