Carey and Marsh star as Australia avoid South Africa ODI whitewash
Australia avoided a series sweep against South Africa in Potchefstroom, riding on half-centuries from Alex Carey and Mitch Marsh to secure a 45-run DLS win.
Australia avoided a whitewash in their ODI series in South Africa with Pat Cummins’ encouraging comeback and the return to form of Adam Zampa and Alex Carey inspiring them to a morale-boosting win in Potchefstroom. The final day-nighter was eventually called off under the lights as rain ruined the finale, but Australia celebrated a satisfying 45-run DLS victory after vastly improving from their losses in the first two matches.
Half-centuries from the rejuvenated Carey, who made 74 off 88 balls, and captain Mitch Marsh, alongside 48 from Ollie Peake, propelled Australia to 322-9 after being put in to bat. South Africa never threatened to pull off the highest successful ODI chase at the ground as rain eventually arrived to seal the contest.
Zampa rediscovered his best figures with 2 for 34 off six overs, while Xavier Bartlett claimed two key early wickets to restrict the hosts to 145-4 off 28 overs. Ryan Rickelton offered the main resistance with an unbeaten 71 off 81 deliveries.
Pat Cummins returned strictly as a bowler rather than captain, delivering five probing overs for just 17 runs without taking a wicket. His encouraging spell suggests he will be fully prepared to lead his troops in the upcoming Test match in Durban.
Stand-in skipper Marsh led from the front once again, powering to his third consecutive half-century of the series with a 42-ball 56. He combined with Travis Head for an electric opening stand of 78 runs at nine runs an over.
Despite losing early wickets to Bjorn Fortuin and Gerald Coetzee, young prospect Ollie Peake impressed with a solid 48 before falling to a stunning diving catch by Fortuin. Matt Renshaw added 30 runs, while Carey anchored the middle order to register his first international half-century in 17 ODI and Test innings.
Cameron Green endured an eventful evening after taking a fearful beamer straight into his protective gear, courageously hitting the following delivery for six before being dismissed by a short ball and suffering a muscle injury. Depleted by injuries to Nathan Ellis and Jack Edwards, the Australian attack relied on Bartlett and a disciplined Zampa to squeeze the Proteas.
Zampa lured the dangerous Matthew Breetzke to be stumped for 25 and trapped Tristan Stubbs leg-before for 14 as Australia closed out the series on a positive note under the lights.