South Africa Elect to Bowl First in Darwin T20I as Head and Hazlewood Return for Australia
South Africa opted to bowl first in the opening T20I against Australia in Darwin. The visitors have named a balanced XI featuring four seamers and four spin options. Captain Aiden Markram, returning after missing the Zimbabwe tri-series, will contribute with both leadership and offspin. The pace attack includes Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, and Corbin Bosch, while George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy add left-arm spin depth. Dewald Brevis provides an extra legspin option.
Australia’s Power-Packed Line-Up
Australia have brought back Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head, resting Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins once again. Head is set to open with skipper Mitchell Marsh, a partnership expected to continue through the T20 World Cup. Glenn Maxwell will slot in at No. 7, following a destructive middle order led by Tim David, who recently scored his maiden T20I century. Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis retain their spots in the bowling attack, supported by Adam Zampa. Marsh and Cameron Green will not bowl, while Matt Short remains sidelined with a side strain.
Australia 🆚 South Africa – 1st T20I
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) August 10, 2025
Starts today at 2:45 PM IST ⏰
Live from Darwin 🏟️
Who’s taking the lead in the series? 👀
📸 Getty #AUSvsSA #T20I #CricketLive #DarwinShowdown pic.twitter.com/jpBAzTbQhk
Opening Combinations and Key Players
For South Africa, Ryan Rickelton opens with Markram, while 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius bats at No. 3. Australia aim to extend their winning streak to nine consecutive T20Is, following a clean sweep over West Indies. The Darwin clash is the city’s first international match in 17 years, drawing a sell-out crowd. Both teams are using this series to finalise combinations ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Playing XIs
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa: Aiden Markram (capt), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi
