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05-Apr-2009 07:27:00 GMT
Australia in South Africa, 2008/09

South Africa v Australia 2nd ODI at Centurion - Preview

Centurion: Australia are back on top of the world in both Tests and ODIs during their trip to South Africa, but the teams are so tightly matched that the one-day honour will return to the hosts if they win the five-match series.

Australia, which surrendered its top position after losing 1-4 to the Proteas at home, started the series trailing Graeme Smith's side by one rating point. Victory in the first of the five One-dayers on Friday has given Australia a jump of three points to 125, with South Africa on 123.

South Africa were out-played throughout game one and have some serious work to do on their batting to manage a swift turnaround. They lasted only 33.1 overs in making 145 as Nathan Hauritz.

South Africa still has a chance to finish the series in the number one position if it wins the series 3-2 or better.

Australia need to win the series 3-2 while a 4-1 victory will put it on 127 points and will drop South Africa to third position behind India on 121.

Expect some reshuffling if Kallis makes it back, with Boucher dropping a place and one of the bowlers missing out. Morne Morkel looks vulnerable unless Dale Steyn or Makhaya Ntini are due for a rest.

Australia will give thought to keeping an unchanged line-up after such a convincing display on Friday. However, they may consider bringing in Brett Geeves for Ben Laughlin, who gave up 28 runs in five overs on his ODI debut.

Match facts
Sunday April 05, 2009
Start time 10:00am (08:00 GMT)


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