Australia to bat first in tri-series final

Kane Richardson has been ruled out of Saturday’s one-day tri-series final against South Africa and will undergo further scans on a side strain injury once the team returns to Australia.

South African captain AB de Villiers won the toss and once again elected to send Australia into bat.

Despite the dangers of the wicket flattening out for the second innings, Australian skipper George Bailey is liking his team’s chances after their 7-282 batting first was enough to win their last-start match against the Proteas by 62 runs.

After being dropped for the last game, big-game performer James Faulkner has been recalled to replace Richardson.

Spinner Nathan Lyon has recovered from a leg injury and will also take part as Australia look to leave Harare with their No.1 ODI world ranking in tact.

“Kane’s a bit sore in the side so we’ll get him back to Australia with us and see what happens from there,” said Australian coach Darren Lehmann.

“It’s disappointing for him because he’s done a good job for us.

“Jimmy’s got the experience. It’s a final and he’s played really for us on many occasions.”

To add insult to injury for Richardson, he was unable to make it to the ground after coming down with a stomach bug.

Australia are looking to reinforce their dominance over South Africa this year having already defeated them in a Test and Twenty20 series.

South Africa have decided to go with two spinners for the match, recalling Imran Tahir.

Australia: Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes, Steve Smith, George Bailey (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (capt), JP Duminy, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Aaron Phangiso, Imran Tahir.

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