Australia have opted to bat first in the third and final ODI against South Africa in Mackay, with skipper Mitchell Marsh winning the toss in what is a dead rubber after the visitors sealed the series.

Australia’s Changes

Pacer Josh Hazlewood has been rested after featuring in all three T20Is and the first two ODIs. Sean Abbott comes into the XI, while Aaron Hardie misses out. Allrounder Cooper Connolly has been included at No. 7 as a spin option.

Cricket Australia confirmed Hazlewood was released early and returned to Sydney, with Abbott drafted in for the final match. Left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis remains sidelined with slight hamstring tightness.

Connolly, who last opened in the Champions Trophy semi-final against India, will bat in the lower order this time.

Australia are looking to avoid a whitewash — they have never lost an ODI series 3-0 at home.

South Africa’s Changes

For South Africa, Temba Bavuma returns to lead the side after being rested in the second ODI. He replaces Matthew Breetzke, who has a hamstring issue. Tony de Zorzi moves down to No. 4.

Allrounder Corbin Bosch and young pacer Kwena Maphaka also come in, with Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger given a break after starring in game two.

Playing XIs

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (capt), Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Kwena Maphaka

Image Source: Google | Image Credit: Respective Owner