Proteas stand-in captain Aiden Markram had no hesitation in electing to bowl after winning the toss in the third and final ODI against Australia in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
Overnight rain delayed the start by 30 minutes due to a wet outfield at the North West University.
It will be the first time the Proteas have bowled first in the series after Australian captain Mitch Marsh won both previous tosses and opted to chase – in both cases unsuccesfully.
Coach Shukri Conrad has promised to make changes for the dead rubber with 20-year-old fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena included in the playing XI for the first time in the series. It will only be the youngster’s third ODI after making his debut on the recent tour of Namibia.
Mokeone’s inclusion is one five changes to the side that closed out the series in Sunday’s Pink ODI at the Wanderers.
Regular captain Temba Bavuma is resting with Markram taking over the leadership reins, while Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickleton, Gerald Coetzee and Corbin Bosch return to the line-up.
“We’re going to bowl, it’s pretty obvious reasons why. It’s a bit of weather around and the pitch that’s been undercovers for most of the morning. So if there’s anything in it today, we open it up front and hopefully we can look at better later on,” Markram said.
Field preparations during the One Day International between South Africa and Australia at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
“Yeah, it’s just rotation really. Obviously with one eye on the Test series to come as well from Shukri’s (Conrad) point of view and then obviously opportunities as well. The guys in the first game did really well and those guys get another crack at it today, which is only fair.
“It’s always an exciting day. Although the series might be over, there’s still a lot to play for for us and the boys are pretty pumped up about that.”
Australia have included Pat Cummins for the first time in the series among a host of changes for the visitors too.
“Obviously it’s a shame that the series is done, but there’s still lots to play for in our team and a lot of areas to improve, which hopefully we’ll see today,” Mitch Marsh said.
“Yeah, we’ve made a few forced changes. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Peake are in. Well, firstly, the win for our country, and like I said, there’s certain areas to improve in our game, and it’s an opportunity to play pretty fresh. So, you know, hopefully we finish the series well.”
TEAMS
South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Aiden Markram(c), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Gerald Coetzee, Nqobani Mokoena, Lizaad Williams.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Oliver Peake, Alex Carey(w), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
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