Australia arrived at the Wanderers needing a win, but their task became harder before the second ODI even began. Josh Inglis, who had only recently rediscovered his ODI touch with a century against Zimbabwe, has been ruled out of the remaining matches against South Africa after fracturing his right index finger in the opening game in Durban.
Inglis batted through the injury in the first ODI but made only three runs as Australia were bowled out for 230. Alex Carey comes into the side as his replacement, giving Australia experience behind the stumps but removing a batter who had entered the series with growing confidence.
South Africa hold a 1-0 lead after Durban
The Proteas have already put Australia under serious pressure by winning the opening match by 67 runs. South Africa recovered from 29 for 2 to reach 297 for 8, with Matthew Breetzke producing a superb 112 from 106 balls. Marco Jansen then added 75 from 59 deliveries to change the momentum of the innings.
Australia initially looked capable of chasing the target. Mitchell Marsh smashed 60 from only 36 balls and helped take the score to 129 for 1. But the chase fell apart once the Australian captain departed, with Keshav Maharaj finishing with 4 for 20 as South Africa bowled the visitors out for 230.
Wanderers brings a different challenge
The second ODI has moved to Johannesburg, where the conditions can offer a very different contest from Durban. The Wanderers is known for pace, bounce and a fast outfield, while its altitude can also make cleanly struck shots travel quickly.
Australia won the toss and elected to field, putting South Africa in to bat first. With the series on the line, the decision gives Australia an immediate chance to attack with the new ball and prevent another large South African total.
Fresh faces enter a tense contest
Australia have brought Alex Carey into the XI for Inglis, while South Africa have also made changes as they manage a bowling group affected by injuries.
The Proteas are already without several experienced fast bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Ottneil Baartman. Kwena Maphaka has also been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury, leaving South Africa to rely on a mixture of established players and newer options.
| Match detail | Information |
| Series | South Africa lead 1-0 |
| Venue | Wanderers, Johannesburg |
| Australia result needed | Win to level series |
Australia cannot afford another batting collapse
For Australia, the biggest concern is not simply Inglis’ absence. Their top order must convert promising starts into a substantial chase or set-up total.
Marsh showed in Durban that South Africa’s attack can be put under pressure, but Australia could not maintain that tempo after his dismissal. Travis Head also contributed during the opening stand, yet the middle order failed to carry the chase deep enough.
South Africa, meanwhile, have already demonstrated that their batting has enough depth to recover from early setbacks. Breetzke’s century and Jansen’s aggressive innings gave the hosts the platform they needed, and the bowling attack finished the job.
What is at stake in the second ODI?
A South African victory would seal the three-match series with one game still to play. Australia, by contrast, need to respond immediately to force the contest into a decider in Potchefstroom on September 30.
The pressure is therefore straightforward: Australia must win, while South Africa have the opportunity to close out the series at home. The Wanderers contest has become more than a second ODI after one match. It is now a test of whether Australia can recover from a damaging opening defeat while coping with the loss of one of their in-form recent performers.
FAQ
Why is Josh Inglis not playing?
Inglis suffered a fracture to his right index finger during the first ODI in Durban and has been ruled out of the remaining ODIs against South Africa.
What happened in the first ODI?
South Africa scored 297 for 8 and dismissed Australia for 230, winning by 67 runs. Matthew Breetzke scored 112 and Marco Jansen made 75, while Keshav Maharaj took four wickets.
What does Australia need to do to stay in the series?
Australia need to win the second ODI at the Wanderers to level the three-match series. A South African win would give the Proteas an unassailable 2-0 lead.
