Here’s the cynical view going into Wednesday’s third men’s ODI in Potchefstroom: Australia choked twice and lost the series, rendering the last game of the series irrelevant. Maybe the forecast for an afternoon thunderstorm will put this farce out of its misery.
Here’s the optimistic view: South Africa outplayed the visitors in all departments at Kingsmead on Thursday and at the Wanderers on Sunday. The series is over as a contest, but let’s hope the rain doesn’t interfere unduly to allow those who haven’t yet been given an opportunity to make good use of it.
And here’s a balanced view: who thought spin would come to the South Africans’ rescue just when their vaunted pace resources have fallen victim to a hamdemic? Add to that two turning pitches, the Australians alleged allergy to left-arm slow poison, centuries by Matthew breetzke, Temba Bavuma and David Miller — and none by the Aussies — and the script for the series writes itself.
Take your pick. All of the above have their merits. And their demerits. Besides, what are dead rubbers for if we can’t have some fun with them?
Potch is about runs, runs and more runs. So the Australians should get some respite from their trial by spin. Or will they?
Teams have been bowled out only three times in the five completed daynighters at JB Marks Oval. But the most recent side to suffer that fate are Australia. In September 2023, chasing 339 to win, they were dismissed for 227 in 34.3.
Aiden Markram, Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj sent down 21 of those overs and took a collective 4/99 at an economy rate of 4.71. Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala and Gerald Coetzee bowled the other 13.3 and claimed 5/126 — an economy rate of 9.33.
That said, the Aussies enjoy Potch. This is where they based themselves for their final preparations for their 2003 World Cup triumph. It’s also where Spain tightened the nuts and bolts before they won the men’s football World Cup in 2010.
Is there something in the water in Potch? No. It’s about what isn’t there. There isn’t much to do in this small university town except train and play. That also means there isn’t much chance of getting into extramural trouble.
But that doesn’t preclude getting into trouble on the field. Both teams will hope that doesn’t happen. Dead rubbers don’t deserve drama.
When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026; 1.30pm local/11.30am GMT/5pm IST
Where: JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
What to expect: A beautifully terrifying thunderstorm during the second innings. That, and the 11.7 millimetres of rain that was predicted to fall on Tuesday, could slow the outfield. The highest total at this ground is South Africa’s 418/5. But that was 20 years ago. Against minnows Zimbabwe. Two other first innings of more than 300 have been made in the five completed daynighters played here. South Africa won all of them.
Team news:
South Africa: “You better fasten for our selections on Wednesday,” Shukri Conrad told a press conference on Monday. Nqobani Mokoena is the only member of the squad who didn’t play in either or both of the first two matches, so he will surely get a game. Beyond that, there is no point risking most of the players who are also involved in the Tests that start at Kingsmead on October 9.
Possible XI: Tony de Zorzi, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Duan Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Bjorn Fortuin, Lizaad Williams, Nqobani Mokoena.
Australia: Pat Cummins was expected to play his only match of the series on Sunday. He didn’t, but will doubtless replace Nathan Ellis, who is out with a side strain. But Mitchell marsh might hang onto the captaincy. Oliver Peake, who hasn’t had a game yet, should replace Jack Edwards, who is doubtful with a hamstring issue.
Possible XI: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
What they said:
“When the fringe players get the opportunity I’m sure they want to put their hands up with performances that show the depth [of talent] and their quality, and how they can fit into international cricket.” — Keshav Maharaj tells the lesser spotted players in the squad to give it horns.
“It’s a really good opportunity to learn what we’re going to come up against, whether it’s a semi-final or a group game against South Africa.” — Matt Renshaw, in conversation with cricket.com.au, makes plain he’s moved on swiftly from the series to next year’s World Cup.