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AUS v SA: All you need to know guide

We've got you covered for the Southern Stars' five-match ODI series against South Africa, which gets underway Friday

FIXTURES

The five-ODI series kicks off at Canberra's Manuka Oval on November 18, with the first three matches counting towards the ICC Women's Championship.

Those encounters all come with reserve days in case the weather plays a significant role, while the final two matches of the series will be played in Coffs Harbour.

  • First ODI*: Manuka Oval, Canberra, 18 November at 2:20pm AEDT
  • Second ODI*: Manuka Oval, Canberra, 20 November at 2:20pm AEDT
  • Third ODI*: North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 23 November at 2:20pm AEDT
  • Fourth ODI: Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, 27 November at 2:20pm AEDT
  • Fifth ODI:  Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, 29 November at 2:20pm AEDT

*ICC Championship matches


TEAMS


Australia


Image Id: CD1CEB2ADCD244B8915798B3EB3F170E Image Caption: The Southern Stars before their Australia Day match against India earlier this year // Getty

The Southern Stars have named a 13-player squad for the first three matches of series, with off-spinner Erin Osborne missing out from the 14-player group that toured Sri Lanka in September.

Teenage fast bowler Lauren Cheatle is the other contracted Southern Star missing from the squad, having recently completed her Year 12 exams earlier this month.

While the pair will miss the first three matches, to be played at Manuka Oval (November 18 and 20) and North Sydney Oval (November 23), they – and other in-form Women's National Cricket League players – could come into contention for the final two matches of the series, to be played in Coffs Harbour.

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Alex Blackwell (vc), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Rene Farrell, Holly Ferling, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani.


South Africa


Image Id: FD354508242D49BDAE6C8C7697F01101 Image Caption: South Africa's women celebrate a wicket on their tour of tour of New Zealand last month // Getty

Cricket South Africa named a 14-player squad, featuring three players who were part of the first edition of the Rebel Women's Big Bash League – captain Dane van Niekerk, allrounder Marizanne Kapp and batter Mignon du Preez.

However, the Proteas remain without dangerous fast bowler Shabnim Ismail and wicketkeeper-batter Trisha Chetty. The pair have been suspended until January 31 next year for "repeat offences that breach CSA's Rules and Code of Conduct". Batter Laura Wolvaardt has also been ruled out due to a broken collarbone.

South Africa squad: Dane van Niekerk, Dinesha Devnarain, Anneke Bosch, Mignon du Preez, Masabata Klaas, Lara Goodall, Chloe Tryon, Suné Luus, Odine Kirsten, Lizelle Lee, Marizanne Kapp, Moseline Daniels, Ayabonga Khaka, Sinalo Jafta


FORM


Australia (most recent game last): WWLLWWWWWW


The reigning world champions enter the series as heavy favourites after their series sweep in Sri Lanka in September, but ODI losses to both India and New Zealand proved earlier this year that the Australians aren't invincible.

South Africa (most recent game last):  WWLLWLLLWL

South Africa recorded their first-ever ODI win against New Zealand last month and despite eventually losing the series 5-2, they'll be filled with confidence knowing they can beat the world's strongest teams.

LAST TIME THEY MET

South Africa 188 (Marizanne Kapp 61, Ellyse Perry 3-35) defeated by Australia 7-190 (Rachael Haynes 83, Shabnim Ismail 4-41) by three wickets with 26 balls to spare in Cuttack.

The tightest of the eight ODI contests between Australia and South Africa came in their most recent meeting, a group rmatch at the 2013 World Cup in India, which the Southern Stars went on to win.

Image Id: 1BD9ADE77BFF4673BD85CB9F217FDC1A Image Caption: Australia celebrate their '13 World Cup victory // Getty

Allrounder Ellyse Perry picked up three wickets to help restrict the Proteas to 188.

Shabnim Ismail ensured it wasn't plain sailing for the Aussies in reply, picking up the key wickets of Jess Cameron and Alex Blackwell for nought and leaving the Stars looking wobbly at 3-34. Rachael Haynes steadied the ship, before another mini-collapse of 3-5 had Australia 7-155, still 34 runs shy of victory. Fortunately for Australia, Erin Osborne (20no) and Perry then combined (14no) to see their team home with no further hiccups.

Overall, Australia and South Africa have met just nine times in ODIs, with the Southern Stars winning eight of those, while the remaining match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.


RECORDS


4-258 – The highest score in the eight previous completed ODIs between these teams came in March 2009 when skipper Karen Rolton 's unbeaten 96 plus 87 from Shelley Nitschke helped the Aussies to 4-258 in Newcastle. Australia eventually cruised to a 61-run victory in the World Cup clash.

107no – Rolton also played a starring role in the highest individual score between the two sides, scoring an unbeaten 107 from just 67 deliveries to lead Australia to a nine wicket win in Lincoln in December, 2000.

4-10 – The best bowling figures in Australia-South Africa encounters belongs to one of the all-time greats Cathryn Fitzpatrick. A brilliant 10-over spell from 'Fitzy' saw her grab 4-12 and help restrict the Proteas to 7-120 from their 50 overs in Brisbane.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Australia have already taken an unassailable lead at the top of the ICC Women's Championship and will be awarded the inaugural trophy at the end of the third ODI at North Sydney Oval on November 23.

The Proteas on the other hand, have everything to play for. An upset series win could be enough to see them sneak into the top four and seal their spot in next year's World Cup – although they are relying on Pakistan to upset New Zealand at home to do so.

Otherwise, South Africa will have to take the longer route to the World Cup, playing off alongside nine other hopefuls at the qualifying event in Colombo next February.

WHAT THEY SAID

 

"They're a very dangerous side with some match-winners in their team. They're a team we haven't played much in the last few years but we're very aware we'll have to play good cricket to beat them" – Australia captain Meg Lanning

"We know they're the best in the world, they're shown that and we know all-round how strong they are. We know how hard they've worked in the off-season, we've read the articles. We're going to try and stick to our game plans a bit more … I think if we stick to our strengths we'll come out on top more often than not." – South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk

HOW TO FOLLOW

ATTEND: All five matches are free to attend, so get down there and see Australia's best players at work!

WATCH:  All three matches will be live streamed on cricket.com.au and via the Cricket Australia Live app, with commentary from Southern Stars legends Mel Jones and Lisa Sthalekar.

FOLLOW: @SouthernStars on Twitter, @southernstars on Instagram, Facebook.com/southernstars