Australia have a concern after how they went in the first ODI. Barring the top order, the inexperienced middle-order struggled to hold on. The bowling was fine but the batting line-up continues to look out of place in the first game back after the retirements of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. There is a fair bit to fix in the batting order and that will be evident in the coming games.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: August 22nd, 2025

Time:  10:00 AM IST

Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, MacKay

AUS vs SA Weather Report

MacKay could be on the pleasant side when it comes to weather with summer slowly starting to set in.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Batting second could be a better choice on a track that looks a little uncertain given the ground hosts its first game after 33 years.

See Also: Shikhar Dhawan confirms unavailability

AUS vs SA Head to Head

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI 

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

SA Playing XI

Aiden Markaram, Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Tristin Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi 

Australia vs South Africa: Players to Watch

Ryan Rickleton

Ryan Rickleton is making it big with his impactful 30s. He is a key silent starter and his role has been pretty simple but effective in the limited games he has played so far.

Travis Head

With the others retiring Travis Head now remains a key senior member in the side. He loves to take on the bowlers and now will enjoy added responsibility.

Australia vs South Africa Match Tips

South Africa and Australia both look even on paper but home advantage and momentum should keep Australia marginally in front.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match