Australia are five-time ODI World Cup champions but Pat Cummins' men were totally outplayed in their six-wicket loss to India at the Chepauk, Chennai. The Aussies put on a tricky 199 on the board after winning the toss and electing to bat first on a rank-turner. They even had a sniff of a chance when Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Star ran through the Indian top order. The Men In Blue were reeling at 2/3 at one time. However, Virat Kohli (85) and KL Rahul (97) steadied the ship and handed India the victory. (Scorecard | Schedule | Full Coverage)
Furthermore, to make matters worse, Mitchell Marsh had dropped Kohli on 25 but the all-rounder couldn't hold to the chance and the rest was history.
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Australia's next opponents are South Africa, who recently beat them in an ODI series (3-2) and more importantly, the Proteas scored 428 runs against Sri Lanka in a World Cup fixture. Temba Bavuma's men are in blistering form coming into this contest and would certainly have an upper hand against a battered and bruised Australia.
Aiden Markram is in the form of his life, recording the fastest century ever registered in a World Cup (off 49 balls) match. Here are three key battles to look forward to in the Australia vs South Africa, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match:
1) Aiden Markram Vs Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc managed to scalp just one wicket in their six-wicket defeat to India. The left-arm pacer, who missed the three-match ODI series against the same opposition due to injury, is still in recovery mode. Australia's pace spearhead will need to find his 'A-game' as soon as possible with in-form Aiden Markram waiting in line. The South African vice-captain looks in ominous form and his duel with Starc could be one to watch out for.
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2) David Warner Vs Kagiso Rabada
Another match-up that could decide the match is that of David Warner against Kagiso Rabada. The Aussie southpaw is a hard-hitter opener and once he gets going, it invariably sets up nicely for the middle and lower order to finish off strongly. However, in Kagiso Rabada, South Africa have a potent new-ball bowler who could reverse the ball both ways. If he gets enough assistance from the pitch, Warner could have a torrid time at the crease.
3) Quinton de Kock Vs Josh Hazelwood
Another Proteas batter who has started off his 2023 World Cup campaign well is Quinton de Kock. In what would be his farewell tournament for South Africa, the wicketkeeper-batter is ensuring it ends on a perfect note. However, when Proteas take on Australia, the 30-year-old would need to up his game. His battle against Josh Hazelwood could well decide the fate of the match. The lanky Aussie pacer knows how to swing the ball and if he gets going, De Kock will have a hard time. This duel will be one worth watching in the South Africa vs Australia clash.
