Cairns, August 19(HS):

Australia are set to take on South Africa in the opening One-Day International of the three-match series at Cazaly’s Stadium on Tuesday, following a 2-1 triumph in the T20Is. With regular skipper Pat Cummins sitting out of the white-ball leg, Mitchell Marsh continues to lead the side, steering the hosts into a crucial phase of their preparation for upcoming tournaments.

Australia are expected to make a few alterations from their T20I lineup. Young all-rounder Cooper Connolly is tipped to replace the rested Glenn Maxwell, while pacer Xavier Bartlett is anticipated to share the new ball with Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa enter the contest with notable absentees: Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller, both engaged in The Hundred, alongside Marco Jansen, sidelined after thumb surgery. The visitors are likely to provide opportunities to fresh faces, including Matthew Breetzke, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and teenage quick Kwena Maphaka.

The first ODI begins at 10:00 AM IST, with the toss scheduled for 9:30 AM IST.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar