Johannesburg: Australia all-rounder Jack Edwards made his ODI debut after captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to field against South Africa in the opening match of the three-game series on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Edwards, a seam-bowling all-rounder, received his maiden ODI cap after previously representing Australia in one T20I against Pakistan in Lahore earlier this year.

Australia entered the series after completing a 3-0 ODI clean sweep against Zimbabwe. However, the visitors are still seeking their first bilateral ODI series win over South Africa since 2014.

Edwards gets his first ODI opportunity

Edwards’ inclusion provides Australia with an additional seam-bowling option while also strengthening the team’s batting depth.

The all-rounder has been given an opportunity at international level after making his T20I debut earlier this year. His ODI debut comes in a series in which Australia will look to build on its recent success against Zimbabwe.

Cameron Green also returned to the Australian playing XI after missing the Zimbabwe series while recovering from a shoulder injury.

Australia’s decision to field first was taken by Marsh after he won the toss, with the team looking to make use of the conditions before potentially chasing later in the match.

South Africa face bowling injury crisis

South Africa entered the series with significant concerns in its bowling department.

Four frontline fast bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Kwena Maphaka, were ruled out of the series because of hamstring injuries. The absences have placed greater responsibility on the remaining bowlers and forced South Africa to test its depth.

Captain Temba Bavuma said the injury situation would provide an opportunity to assess the team’s resources.

With the pitch expected to become more helpful to slower bowlers as the match progresses, South Africa included two specialist spinners in Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj.

Coetzee returns to ODI cricket

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee made his return to South Africa’s ODI side after more than three years. His previous ODI appearance came during the 2023 World Cup.

Marco Jansen will lead the pace attack in the absence of several established fast bowlers, while Coetzee’s return gives the hosts another option with the new ball and through the middle overs.

South Africa have also retained a strong batting core, with Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller included in the XI.

The hosts will hope their batting depth can compensate for the absences in the bowling department.

South Africa vs Australia playing XIs

South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj.

Australia: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

The opening ODI gives both teams an opportunity to set the tone for the three-match series. Australia will look to carry forward its momentum from Zimbabwe, while South Africa will attempt to overcome its bowling absences and end Australia’s long-standing dominance in their recent bilateral ODI contests.