Toss update and playing XI from AUS vs SA 1st T20I in Darwin

South Africa and Australia meet each other during the first of the three-game T20I series at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, as international cricket returned to the venue after nearly 18 years. The former is coming on the back of the tri-series in Zimbabwe, where they lost the final against New Zealand. On the other hand, Australia earned a 5-0 series victory against the West Indies.

The Rainbow Nation got back their notable players in the side, including Kagiso Rabada, captain Aiden Markram, who took a break from the tri-series after winning the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against the same opposition at Lord’s. The visitors won the toss and opted to bowl first on a surface they had no idea of.

See Also: [WATCH] Alastair Cook imitates Rishabh Pant's iconic paddle sweep shot

“We are going to have a bowl. Not too much info on this venue, will have a look at it with the ball and then take the game from there. It has been good. We have been here for a week or so, the boys have been out and about, and there are some nice things to do around, and training as well. We are trying to fine-tune a lot of things as we build up to that World Cup.” Markram revealed.

South Africa win the toss and choose to bowl first in AUS vs SA 1st T20I

Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s captain, revealed that they were excited to be back in playing at this venue, while on the other hand, they chase their on the verge of an eight-match winning streak in the shortest format.

“We were going to have a bowl first. Mainly, we haven't played here as a group, but it (the pitch) does look like a belter. No, I didn't (know they were on an 8-game winning streak). Hopefully, the winning way continues.. We have had a great lead-up as a group and hopefully put on a show for the Darwin crowd.” Marsh claimed.

South Africa’s Playing XI

Aiden Markram(c), Ryan Rickelton(w), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

Australia’s Playing XI

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood