Early mail has suggested Australia will make three changes to the team starting eleven for the decider against South Africa in Cape Town this week, with Cooper Connolly and Cameron Green back into the team and veteran Nathan Lyon reinstated for spin options.
Connolly will replace Beau Webster as the all-rounder, while Green is expected to slot back in at number five—a role he should have played but for a freak injury before Durban.
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Scott Boland’s the man to make way for “Gary” and his spin to return; that is less of a reshuffle for any performance issues and more just that Boland is the fifth man in Australia’s incredible bowling attack.
The standout selection comes in the batting order: Marnus Labuschagne, who has now notched up 47 straight innings without a century. This Sporting Base writer half expected him to be trimmed for another option, considering how poor he has been, but the selectors may just feel there are no upgrades.
Steve Smith will also be in some doubt right up to the toss at 7PM this evening as he continues to work through a neck injury. He just got back to batting in with a helmet again, so that is a good sign for Australia.
Should he be scratched before the Test starts, Josh Inglis would step in somewhere. Sam Harper and Nic Maddinson have already been sent home from South Africa.
Australia have to win this Test in Cape Town to seal the series victory. South Africa are $1.80 favourites.
Australia’s XI lineup
- Matt Renshaw
- Travis Head
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey
- Cooper Connolly
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
The team will be confirmed at the toss, at 7PM AEDT.
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