ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – Australia vs South Africa Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Australia vs South Africa taking place? Saturday 6th July – 13:30 (UK)
Where is Australia vs South Africa taking place? Old Trafford, Manchester
What is the expected weather for Australia vs South Africa? 17-18c with sunshine and some cloudy intervals
What television channel is Australia vs South Africa on in the UK? Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Australia vs South Africa? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Australia vs South Africa? Tickets can still be purchased via Stubhub for this game!
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: South Africa beat Australia by 40 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
AUSTRALIA
Coach: Justin Langer
Captain: Aaron Finch
- Australia sit at the top of the ladder coming into this final game of the group phase and they will be keen to secure a sixth consecutive victory here against South Africa to seal top spot to ensure they face New Zealand in the semi-finals rather than England.
- They have been dealt an injury blow as Shaun Marsh had broken a bone in his arm after being struck by a ball from Pat Cummins in the nets so Peter Handscombe has been called up as his replacement for the remainder of the tournament.
- The likelihood is that they name an unchanged side for this match given their starting eleven is in good shape unless they decide to rest star bowler Mitchell Starc potentially, but all the signs point towards them naming their strongest team.
SOUTH AFRICA
Coach: Ottis Gibson
Captain: Faf du Plessis
- South Africa salvaged some pride as they coasted to a nine-wicket win against Sri Lanka last Friday as Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis put together an unbroken stand of 175 to guide them to just their second win of the tournament.
- They will look to build on that and attempt to get a victory over one of the top teams here and as they showed in the match against Sri Lanka, they will field their strongest available team to compete against the group leaders.
- David Miller missed the match against Sri Lanka due to a groin problem and there is every chance that while he may be fit, that they decide to leave him out following the strong performance of Dwaine Pretorius with the ball as he took 3/25 from his ten overs replacing Miller.
THE PREDICTION
Australia will be keen to both finish in top spot to ensure they face arguably the weaker of the top four teams in the semi-finals in New Zealand, as well as carrying some momentum into the semi-finals by winning their sixth consecutive match here. South Africa showed great heart and pride in beating Sri Lanka last time out but this is a much sterner task for them. Australia are far too consistent and solid for South Africa right now who remains fragile, and leading wicket-taker Mitchell Starc can continue his stunning form with more wickets to lead Australia to victory.
