The first ODI between Australia and South Africa is underway at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns. Australia won the toss and elected to field first. This match marks the beginning of the post-Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell era in ODI cricket for Australia, following their retirements after the 2025 Champions Trophy.
South Africa's opening pair, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, started the innings. In the early overs, South Africa reached 24/0 in 5.4 overs. Markram and Rickelton aimed to provide a solid start for the visitors.
Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis opened the bowling attack for Australia. Hazlewood's first over was a maiden, setting a strong tone. Dwarshuis, playing his first ODI on home soil, saw Rickelton get a thick edge for a boundary. Markram also got off the mark with a single. In the 4th over, Hazlewood maintained excellent control, conceding only 9 runs in his first 3 overs. Dwarshuis struggled with his line, bowling a wide delivery. Markram then capitalised on the width offered by Dwarshuis, driving through the covers for a boundary.
Australia's playing XI includes Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood. South Africa's playing XI features Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi. Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the series due to a right ankle inflammation.
The three-match T20I series preceding this ODI series saw Australia emerge victorious 2-1. Glenn Maxwell's 36-ball 62 was instrumental in Australia's win in the final T20I at the same venue. Nathan Ellis was the pick of the bowlers in that match, taking three wickets.
Temba Bavuma returns to lead South Africa after recovering from an injury. This is his first match since leading the Proteas to the World Test Championship (WTC) title. The Australian team is playing with the backdrop of the passing of former captain and coach Bob Simpson, who played a key role in the team's success in the 1980s.
