The T20I series that preceded these three ODIs was a tightly-contested affair. South Africa and Australia now move onto the intermediate format of the international game, which will also serve as good preparation for their participation in the T20 World Cup later this year.
Their has been some movement in the squad news for both sides, while their schedule is lined with fixtures at some of South Africa‘s smaller cricket stadiums. Our South Africa vs Australia ODI series preview has all the information you require.
South Africa vs Australia ODI Schedule
The last time Australia were in South Africa for bilateral ODI series was in 2017, when the hosts won five-nil. Not one of the venues used then will be used for this series three years later.
1st ODI: Saturday, 29 February 2020
Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
Start time: 16:30 (IST) and 11:00 (GMT)
2nd ODI: Wednesday, 4 March 2020
Venue: Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Start time: 16:30 (IST) and 11:00 (GMT)
3rd ODI: Saturday, 7 March 2020
Venue: Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Start time: 13:30 (IST) and 8:00 (GMT)
February 29, 2020 
11:00 
South Africa vs Australia 2020 – ODI Squads
South Africa have named Test spinner Keshav Maharaj in the squad. They have retained the uncapped Kyle Verreynne and Janneman Malan, who were in the squad for the recent ODI series against England but did not play. All-rounder Jon-Jon Smuts has also been kept in the squad. Batsman Temba Bavuma has been selected despite a hamstring injury. Wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen has recovered from a hip injury to be named in the squad. Batsman Rassie van der Dussen, all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius and former captain Faf du Plessis have been rested. The squad also features left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks.
Australia are still without all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who has been sidelined by elbow surgery. Batsman Marcus Stoinis is not in the squad despite being named Player of the Tournament after the recently-concluded 2019-20 Big Bash League in Australia. Seamer Jhye Richardson has belatedly been added to the squad. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will offer good support to fellow seamers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. The South African-born Marnus Labuschagne should get the opportunity to impress against his country of birth.
South Africa vs Australia ODI Squads
| South Africa | Australia |
| Quinton de Kock (captain) | Aaron Finch (captain) |
| Temba Bavuma | Pat Cummins |
| Beuran Hendricks | Ashton Agar |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Alex Carey |
| Keshav Maharaj | Josh Hazlewood |
| Janneman Malan | Marnus Labuschagne |
| David Miller | Mitchell Marsh |
| Lungi Ngidi | Kane Richardson |
| Anrich Nortje | D’Arcy Short |
| Andile Phehlukwayo | Steven Smith |
| Kagiso Rabada | Mitchell Starc |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | Matthew Wade |
| Lutho Sipamla | David Warner |
| Jon-Jon Smuts | Adam Zampa |
| Kyle Verreynne | Jhye Richardson |
South Africa vs Australia 2020 – ODI Series Preview, Latest Odds and Predictions
South Africa and Australia are priced at 3.20 and 1.33, respectively, by bet365 to win this three-match series. The teams sized each other up nicely during the recent T20Is – and will look to capitalise on what they learnt during these three ODIs. An Australian three-nil whitewash over South Africa is priced at 3.00, while the chances of South Africa sweeping the Aussies by the same margin is at 13.00.
For the Proteas, Quinton de Kock is a good pick to be the Player of the Series. The hard-hitting left-hander is evidently flourishing with the addition of the captaincy. Some schools of thought suggested the extra responsibility would limit him. This isn’t really proving the case. He boasts two ODI tons against the Aussies – and a third isn’t necessarily unlikely this series.
On a bowling front, opportunity really knocks for Tabraiz Shamsi. The wrist-spinner has emerged from the shadow of Imran Tahir, who has retired from ODI cricket. Shamsi is a popular choice to be South Africa’s top bowler in cricket predictions. He’ll possibly play all three matches on pitches that take a bit more turn than at, say, Newlands, Kingsmead or the Wanderers.
For Australia, David Warner and Steven Smith are on somewhat of a redemption mission. Last time they were in South Africa, in 2018, they were both had for ball-tampering. During the 2016 ODI series, Warner and Smith were Australia’s leading run-scorers despite the five-nil series whitewash. Warner scored more than double the number of runs than Smith at the time. This time, they’re in position for more of the same.
The tourists’ decision to added Jhye Richardson to the squad is a good one. The bowling resources will be well challenged against determined home opposition. Jhye and his surname-sake Kane Richardson are popular in free cricket betting tips to be Australia’s top bowlers.
