Overview:

Australia and South Africa take on each other in a crunch 3-match T20I series. The Aussies come into this series on the back of a 5-0 win against West Indies in T20Is.

Australia and South Africa take on each other in a crunch 3-match T20I series. The Aussies come into this series on the back of a 5-0 win against West Indies in T20Is. South Africa suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the T20I Tri-series final which involved New Zealand and Zimbabwe. Notably, they lost to NZ thrice in that series. The Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, will host the first two T20Is before the action shifts to Cairns. 

Aiden Markram leads a strong South African side, which includes pacer Kagiso Rabada. Players like Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Ryan Rickelton have a chance to step up and take the opening slots on offer. The likes of Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen provide comfort in the middle order. In terms of bowling, Rabada gets support from Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch. 

For Australia, there is no Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the side. So Josh Hazlewood will lead the bowling attack. The Mitchell Marsh-led side boasts quality names in Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head and Josh Inglis in batting. The likes of Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott will provide able support to Hazlewood. T20 specialist Adam Zampa leads the spin show. 

Australia squad for the T20I series against South Africa

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

South Africa squad for the T20I series against Australia

Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen.

In terms of the H2H record, Australia and South Africa have met 25 times in T20I cricket. The Aussies have a definite edge with a win-loss record of 17-8. In 7 meetings between the sides in Australia, the hosts own a 5-2 advantage.

Australia probable XI for the three-match series

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

South Africa probable XI for the three-match series

Ryan Rickelton, Lhuan-de-Pretorius, Aiden Markram, Rassie van Der Dussen, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Nandre Burger, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

The 1st T20I match will start at 2:45pm IST on August 10 in Darwin. The 2nd clash is also here in Darwin and will start on August 12 at 2:45pm.

Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin & Key Details of the Stadium

The Marrara Cricket Ground is located in Darwin, Australia. It’s also known as the T10 Stadium. This is a multiple purpose stadium with a seating capacity in excess of 12000. It primarily hosts sports like cricket, Australian rules football and rugby league. The stadium was opened in 1991. The stadium has hosted the Australian Football League and National Rugby League.

In terms of cricket, the stadium has hosted two Test matches back in 2003 and 2004. Australia won both those games, beating Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Besides, the stadium has also hosted 4 ODIs – all against Bangladesh. Australia prevailed in all these 4 games in 2003 and 2008.

However, no T20Is have been played here. This will be the 1st instance.

What is the Pitch Like at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin?

The wicket at this venue is likely to be a flat deck. So one can expect quality runs on the board. Batters will get a good bounce and a fast outfield. So, stroke play will be vital. The size of the boundaries is not big enough on this ground, which can play into the hands of the batters.  Notably, it remains to be seen how things shape up here at this venue. For bowlers, expect a green top which will aid pacers and get spinners into play once it wears down.

Key Stats & Records at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin

As mentioned, no T20I matches have been held here. In Tests, former Aussie all-rounder and head coach Darren Lehmann boasts most runs (218). Meanwhile, Shaun Marsh owns the most runs in ODIs (175).

Among bowlers, Glenn McGrath has most Test wickets here (11). He averaged 9.63. In ODIs, Mitchell Johnson picked 6 scalps here. 

Among team totals, Australia’s 407/7d is the best score here in Tests. Australia’s 254/7 vs Bangladesh in 2003 is the best ODI score here. 

As per ESPNcricinfo, the average run rate for teams batting first here in ODIs read 4.95. This drops to 4.84 for teams batting 2nd. 

AUS vs SA: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?

According to the weather forecast, the weather in Darwin will be humid and sunny. A possibility of passing showers can be expected, although no major interruptions are forecast.

AUS vs SA: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

It remains to be seen how the pitch behaves. The last international match here was in 2008. So the team winning the toss could field first and see how things shape up. Both sides have able batters to make a meal on a flat deck and strong pace unit to work on a green surface.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin

What is the pitch report for Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin?

The wicket at this venue is likely to be a flat deck. So one can expect quality runs on the board. Batters will get good bounce and a fast outfield. So stroke play will be vital. The size of the boundaries is not big enough in this ground, which can play into the hands of the batters.

What is Australia’s record at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin?

As per ESPNcricinfo, Australia have played two Tests and 4 ODIs here at this venue. They have won all six games. This is their 1st ever T20I clash here at this venue.

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