Alamy Stock Photo
Australia tour of South Africa
Twenty20 International Format
1st T20I
South Africa v Australia
Kingsmead
Durban, South Africa
Wednesday, 30 August 2022
Austalia are missing some key personnel as they prepare to kick off their South Africa tour at Kingsmead in the first
T20 International on Wednesday, August 30.
Both Steve Smith and Pat Cummins have been ruled out of the three T20's and three One Day Internationals through injury, while Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green and David Warner are rested for the shortened white-ball format.
Smith suffered a wrist injury in the second Ashes Test against England at Lords, but played through the pain to help the Aussies retain the coveted trophy and Cummins fractured his left wrist in the fifth Test at the Oval, although the extent of the damage was only discovered after the series.
Another noticeable absentee is Mitchell Starc, who withdrew from the squad due to a groin problem. Ashton Turner has been added as a replacement for Smith, while Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, Matt Short and Tanveer Sangha are all set to make their debuts.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh has been named T20 captain for the SA tour following the retirement of Aaron Finch earlier this year. He will also skipper the team in the ODI's.
Suggested photo: Spencer Johnson of Australia
Marsh is excited to see what Johnson can do on the South African pitches, having been left in awe by the fast bowler's emergence on the scene in the past 12 months.
"We've got some young guys coming in which is really exciting, seeing guys like Spencer Johnson, he'll definitely get a crack," Marsh said. "We haven't seen much of him, have we? He's had a few injuries throughout his career and he's sort of burst onto the scene last year.
"I remember commentating a game and he was bowling 150[kph] and swinging them both ways. He's an incredible talent. I faced him in the one-day final at the WACA and was blown away by his skill and his pace. Think he's going to feel right at home in international cricket."
South Africa will also be resting a few familiar faces, with Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada all sitting out the T20's, but are expected to feature in the ODI's.
Suggested photo: Dewald Brevis of South Africa
Dewald Brevis has received his maiden call-up to the Proteas squad, while fellow newcomers Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira and Tristan Stubbs will be vying for the wicketkeeping gloves.
Brevis was the top run scorer at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022 and he'll be given an opportunity to showcase his talent at the highest level against Australia.
"It's nice to be able to give him an opportunity," South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter said. "He is one of our up-and-coming youngsters. We want to just broaden our base a little bit and this Australia series is an opportunity to give him a run.
"I won't be calling him Baby AB [de Villiers]. We will leave AB to be AB. He [Brevis] is a fairly grounded young guy. It's just about creating an environment to express himself in."
Head-to-Head (T20)
Matches - 22
South Africa - 8
Australia - 14
Draws - 0
No result: 0
T20 World Rankings
5 - South Africa
6 - Australia
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