The Proteas selectors have made a massive call to leave out batting superstar Hashim Amla from the starting XI for Sunday’s second one-day international against Australia at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
Amla missed Friday’s convincing six-wicket victory over the Aussies at SuperSport Park in Centurion due to flu, after only joining the squad on Wednesday following the birth of his third child.
Rilee Rossouw was promoted to the top of the order and played a superb knock of 63 off just 45 balls (10x4, 1x6) to help set up the win with the incredible Quinton de Kock, who smashed 178 off 113 deliveries (16x4, 11x6) – the second-highest ODI score by a South African behind Gary Kirsten’s 188 not out.
But Amla was still expected to return at “The Bullring” on Sunday as he is undoubtedly a first-choice opener with De Kock. Amla boasts a wonderful record in 50-over cricket, with 6 445 runs at an average of 51.97, with 23 hundreds and 30 fifties, as well as a good strike-rate of 89.04.
Proteas stand-in captain Faf du Plessis confirmed at the toss – which was won by Australian skipper Steve Smith, who chose to bowl first – that Amla was fit to play. “There are no changes to the team. (Amla) is fit, but the selectors wanted to go with the same team,” Du Plessis said.
With the same starting XI, it means that concerns over Dale Steyn’s fitness are unfounded despite him clutching his shoulder during the first ODI, where he did come back to complete his 10 overs.
Australia made two changes to their bowling attack, with Joe Mennie and Chris Tremain coming in for Daniel Worrall and Scott Boland.
Ten years ago, the famous “438” game was played between these two teams at this venue, so let’s see if Sunday’s game comes anywhere close to thrilling occasion. Play starts at 10am, with the Proteas batting first.
Proteas: Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw, Faf du Plessis (captain), JP Duminy, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir.
Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith (captain), George Bailey, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, John Hastings, Adam Zampa, Joe Mennie, Chris Tremain.