Australia crashed to a humiliating 98-run loss to South Africa in Cairns as the visitors went 1-0 up in the 3-match series. While there was a lot to cheer about for South Africa, some gaping holes were found in Australia’s performance more so with bat than ball. We will try and list out three reasons for Australia’s defeat to South Africa in first ODI.
Losing the plot against Keshav Maharaj hurts Australia.
Chasing a stiff 297 for the win, Australia had got off to a decent start through their opening pair of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. The duo put on 60 runs in 7 overs before Head was prized out by Prenelan Subrayen. But it was the introduction of Keshav Maharaj that caused havoc in the Australian camp. He came into the attack and got rid of Marnus Labuschagne straightaway.
Then he was just unstoppable as he got rid of Cameron Green next and then got rid of Josh Inglis and Alex Carey in consecutive balls. He got rid of Aaron Hardie as well to complete his maiden 5-wicket haul as Australia went from 61/1 in 8 overs to 89/6 in 16.2 overs. In a matter of 8.2 overs, the tables had turned as Australia lost 5/28 in this period. Some of the shots played were awful shots to say the least.
Some reckless shots were played while some did not have clue as to how the ball was behaving. Australians are weak against spin and left-arm spin in particular and they got exposed today. Going forward, Australia needs to address this issue quickly and come back stronger in the next game as the series will be on the line come Friday.
No wickets in the powerplay while bowling pegs Australia back.
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to take advantage and get early wickets. But lack of incisive bowling and wickets in the powerplay meant South Africa had a platform to launch and get to a big score. The duo of Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton played out the first phase really well as they got 56 in the mandatory powerplay but most importantly without a wicket lost.
They put on a 92-run stand for the first wicket before Travis Head dismissed Rickelton. But the solid foundation was laid and South Africa got consistent partnerships thereafter to lay the platform for a strong finish. Josh Hazlewood kept it tight but did not get a wicket. The other bowlers weren’t penetrative enough and as a result paid the price to a good batting performance for South Africa.
Wickets in the powerplay matters a lot in ODIs especially the mandatory one. Even if one gets a couple of wickets, it helps the team in putting pressure on the opposition batters. Going forward, Australia will hope to get wickets in the mandatory powerplay, be a bit more incisive in bowling as that can yield great results for the hosts going forward.
Failure with the bat of Marnus Labuschagne & Cameron Green Hurts Australia.
With Australia needing to chase a mammoth 297 for the win, it was important that the senior players stand up for Australia. While Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head did their bit it was the failure of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green that hurt Australia the most. Marnus in particular as he has to take responsibility now off the batting.
With Steve Smith bidding adieu to ODI cricket alongside Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis, it is imperative that Marnus Labuschagne takes charge of proceedings especially since he is batting at 3. He also needs to get runs because he is in the spotlight now as to whether he gets into the Ashes squad or not. So, him getting runs is imperative not only for Australia in ODIS but for Marnus himself as well.
Cameron Green is also now a senior player and since he cannot bowl right now, his only contribution will come from bat in hand. So, he needs to also fire because we saw how useful he was in the T20Is. He needs to replicate the form in ODIs in order to do well and help the Australian side since Number 4 is an important position and he is occupying it at the moment. It is just one game and we expect Australia to respond with a vengeance.
What Lies Ahead.
The stage is set for the second ODI to take place at Mackay on Friday 22nd August at 10 AM IST. Australia will want to bounce back from this embarrassing loss while South Africa will look to seal the series on Friday itself.
So, will Australia like wounded kangaroos hit back and level the series at 1-1? Or will South Africa through renewed confidence and momentum pull through and clinch the series on Friday itself? We shall find out soon as the series promises to be epic from here.
Also Read: AUS vs SA: 3 Reasons For South Africa’s Heart-Breaking Defeat In 3rd T20I