Australia are currently leading the five-match ODI series 2-1 against South Africa, after a thumping victory in Canberra, and have a chance of sealing the series in the 4th ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today.
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The 4th ODI between Australia and South Africa is schedule for a 03:20 GMT (11:20 local and 08:50 IST) start. For Australia vs South Africa 4th ODI live cricket streaming click HERE, HERE and HERE. The Australia vs South Africa 4th ODI live cricket scores and ball by ball updates are available HERE, HERE and HERE. In India the 4th ODI will be available live on Star Sports network at Star Sports 2 and Star Sports HD 2.
The series have witnessed quite a few ups and downs, as neither of the teams have managed to maintain the winning momentum. Australia won the opening encounter in Sydney, South Africa leveled the series in Perth and the hosts again took initiative at the Manuka Oval.
“We had a great first ODI, then a very poor one,” Aaron Finch said. “Then we’ve had a great one again. Consistency is what we’re about and that’s what we’re really striving for, moving into an ODI World Cup in the next couple of months.”
Despite not having regular skipper Michael Clarke and speedster Mitchell Johnson in the side, the Aussies were pretty impressive in the last game. Mitchell Starc made a superb comeback into the team, while Josh Hazlewood continued his good run of form.
Getting past Australian pace attack will be a challenge for the Proteas batsmen, as despite getting a solid start in the last match they collapsed in the later part of the innings. Hazlewood and Starc, in particular, played instrumental role in Australia’s win.
The Proteas are in a must-win situation in Melbourne and would like to keep their hopes alive in the ODI series, after losing the T20 series.
“It’s a good situation to be in, in the sense that we’ve now got some added pressure on us,” Amla said. “That’s definitely a good thing in preparation for the World Cup. The silver lining is definitely that the added pressure is something that will test us.”
The touring party, however, has been jolted as leg-spinner Imran Tahir is unlikely to feature in the playing XI owing to a knee injury. “We will assess that and make a call on the morning of the game,” South Africa skipper AB de Villiers said of Tahir’s chances of playing in the 4th ODI.
Squads: Australia (possible): Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, George Bailey (c), Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty and Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa (possible): Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, Farhaan Behardien, AB de Villiers (c), David Miller, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
