Australia v South Africa 1st ODI, Melbourne - Preview

Melbourne: After a rare Test series loss at home, Australia are back in more familiar territory following their 2-0 win in the Twenty20 games against South Africa.

Now Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke has been cleared to take the field in the first One-Day International against South Africa at the MCG on Friday. Clarke injured his right thumb during the Test series against the Proteas, which the hosts lost 1-2, and did not take part in the two Twenty20 internationals.

The traditional tri-series has been swept aside in favour of separate five-match contests against South Africa and then New Zealand, much to the appreciation of the players and broadcasters.

Australia go into tomorrow's first ODI against South Africa at the MCG looking to erase their dismal record- they have never beaten the Proteas in five matches at the MCG with South Africa winning all five of them. Australia are buoyant after their back to back victories in the two T20 internationals and would be looking to set the record straight.

Highlights of the match

	Australia	South Africa
Coach	Mickey Arthur	Tim Nielsen
ICC Ranking	1	2
Key Players	Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Mitchell Johnson	Herschelle Gibbs, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn
Drawing Broad	Michael Clarke was one of Australia's most in-form batsmen in the Test series and having carried a thumb problem since the Perth Test he will be refreshed after being rested for the Twenty20s.	JP Duminy was South Africa's best player in both the Twenty20 games, when he kept his head as those around him lost theirs. He must be a strong chance to post his first one-day international century.
Weather	After a couple of stinking hot days earlier in the week, a cool change has hit Melbourne and there could even be a shower or two on the morning of the match.
Pitch	The MCG pitch hasn't been especially helpful for spinners in state matches this season, so expect to see some speed from both attacks.
Current Form	WWWWW	NWWWW (Recent last)
Head to head	Total 67, Australia 36, South Africa 28, Tied 3

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 5th T20I Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings - 42nd Match Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians - 43rd Match Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals - 44th Match 45th Match - Gujarat Titans v Royal Challengers Bangalore - April 28, 10:00 GMT 46th Match - Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad - April 28, 14:00 GMT 4th T20I - Pakistan v New Zealand at Lahore New Zealand won by 4 runs 41st Match - Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bangalore at Hyderabad Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 35 runs

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