Australia Chooses to Field in Must-Win ODI

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to field against South Africa in the second one-day international in Johannesburg on September 27, leaving the visitors needing a victory to keep the three-match series alive. The reports available describe the toss and team selections, but do not provide the match result. Australia entered the match after losing the opening ODI by 67 runs. South Africa’s win put the hosts in position to secure the series, while an Australian victory would level it at one match apiece ahead of the final game. Australia made two changes to its lineup. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis was ruled out of the remaining ODIs with a broken finger and was replaced by Alex Carey. Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett came in for Mitchell Starc. The changes came as Australia sought to respond to its defeat in the opener, where it lost wickets during a chase led by South Africa’s spin attack. South Africa made four changes to the side that won the first match. Aiden Markram returned to open in place of Tony de Zorzi after missing the opener for personal reasons.