Phil Hughes finally gets his chance to make another statement on the international stage, after being called up for Australia’s tri-series one-day clash with South Africa in Harare.
In one change from the team that destroyed Zimbabwe on Monday, Australia have recalled in-form opening batsman Hughes, causing a reshuffle in which spinner Nathan Lyon drops out of the line-up.
South African captain AB de Villiers has won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Harare Sports Club, with Australian skipper George Bailey lamenting that he would have made the same decision.
Coach Darren Lehmann says Hughes – who has starred over the past six weeks for Australia A – is being given his opportunity to provide greater batting coverage against the world-class South African pace attack.
Bailey and Lehmann expect batting to be difficult early, with a slightly greener pitch than what was served up on Monday and some movement expected in the opening hour.
It will be a big chance for Hughes, who is making his return to international cricket after a year out, to push his claim for a spot in the squad leading into the World Cup.
He originally wasn’t picked for this tour, but was included after Shane Watson injured his ankle.
South Africa’s star fast bowling duo Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel will be relishing the chance for an early shot at the Australians, continuing on the rivalry from the Test series earlier this year.
Lyon is unlucky to miss out after taking two wickets against Zimbabwe, but Australia don’t believe the wicket is turning as much as first thought – and they expect part-timers Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell can get the job done in the spin department.
South Africa have chosen their front-line spinner Imran Tahir.
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin opened the batting against Zimbabwe, but shifts down the order for the South African clash.
Australia: Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Marsh, George Bailey (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson
South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (capt), JP Duminy, David Miller, Ryan McLaren, Wayne Parnell, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir
