South Africa in shape to snatch ODI series win in Australia

First ODI
BT Sport 1, 3.20am Sunday

South Africa begin their tour of Australia with the first of three one-day internationals in Perth in the early hours of Sunday morning and the Proteas look a spot of value to get the trip off to the perfect start at the Optus Stadium.

Nearly eight months have passed since the two nations last met when cricket took a back seat due to the ball-tampering scandal that rocked the Australians during the third Test in Cape Town. The fallout continues to rumble on.

There was certainly no love lost between the sides in that series as the war of words overshadowed proceedings on the pitch. Both teams will be hoping they can do their talking on the pitch over the coming few weeks.

It could be South Africa's impressive bowling unit who make the loudest noises with the pace and bounce of Australia's pitches sure to play to their strengths.

In Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, the Proteas have two of the world's best young fast bowlers and they are ably supported by veteran Dale Steyn, who is hoping to earn himself a spot at next year's World Cup, and the leg spin of Imran Tahir.

Captain Faf du Plessis is back to bolster the Proteas' batting ranks having been rested for the recent series against Zimbabwe, which his side won despite being without a host of star players.

Australia are themselves blessed with plenty of threats with both bat and ball but the Proteas could just have their number across three matches.

Recommendations
South Africa to win first ODI
2pts 5-4 BoyleSports, Sky Bet
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1pt 2-1 bet365

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