Australia and South Africa continue their intense rivalry in a thrilling three-match ODI series, following the T20I contests earlier this month. The series, hosted in Cairns and Mackay, comes at a crucial time with both teams refining their 50-over strategies. Australia, captained by Mitchell Marsh, is undergoing a transition phase with several senior players absent due to retirement or injury, giving opportunities to emerging stars like Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie.
South Africa, meanwhile, are led by Temba Bavuma, and despite missing the services of spearhead Kagiso Rabada due to injury, they have started strongly with a balanced mix of youth and experience. Historically, the rivalry in ODIs has been fierce and unpredictable, with both teams capable of big wins against each other. The 2025 series is proving no different, setting up a high-stakes battle for supremacy in the 50-over format.
Schedule
1st ODI – Tuesday, 19 August 2025
📍 Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
Local (AEST): 2:30 PM | GMT: 4:30 AM | IST: 10:00 AM | PKT: 9:30 AM
2nd ODI – Friday, 22 August 2025
📍 Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Local (AEST): 2:30 PM | GMT: 4:30 AM | IST: 10:00 AM | PKT: 9:30 AM
3rd ODI – Sunday, 24 August 2025
📍 Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Local (AEST): 2:30 PM | GMT: 4:30 AM | IST: 10:00 AM | PKT: 9:30 AM
Squads
Australia ODI Squad
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa.
(Withdrawn through injury: Mitchell Owen, Lance Morris, Matthew Short)
South Africa ODI Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka (replacement for Rabada).
Conclusion
This ODI series is more than just a bilateral contest—it’s a testing ground for both sides ahead of major ICC tournaments. South Africa drew first blood in Cairns with a comprehensive win, powered by spin brilliance from Keshav Maharaj and a solid batting effort. Australia, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back in Mackay to keep the series alive. With two games remaining, fans can expect fiery cricket, tactical battles, and performances that could shape both teams’ long-term ODI futures.
