For the first time since September 2022, Australia enter a T20I series decider. On Friday night at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, the hosts face a resurgent South Africa who levelled the three-match contest in Darwin to end Australia’s nine-game winning streak.
Victory for the Proteas would hand the Aussies the rare sting of back-to-back defeats, while Australia aim to reassert dominance before shifting focus to the ODI series.
New Ground, New Variables
This will be the first men’s T20I at the venue, adding an element of unpredictability. The last time international cricket was played here — a 2022 ODI — Adam Zampa spun through New Zealand with figures of 5-35. The same year, a BBL clash saw left-arm spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Akeal Hosein share six wickets.
That track record could push both sides toward extra spin options.
Australia’s Selection Jigsaw
With Mitchell Owen out due to concussion, Australia must make at least one change. Josh Inglis (flu) and Nathan Ellis (rested) are expected to return. Aaron Hardie could slot in at number seven, opening the door for a two-spinner attack alongside Zampa. Hardie is unfazed about where he fits in.
I sort of pride myself on being able to fill any hole possible,” he said. “Whether that’s up the order or middle-order batting, and then being able to bowl any overs from one to 20 in the T20 format.
If Hardie plays, one of Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, or Ben Dwarshuis may be rested with the ODI series looming.
Proteas Stick with Markram at the Top
South Africa have already made a key call: Aiden Markram will continue as opener alongside Ryan Rickelton. The move is designed to slot in more destructive hitters in the middle order.
Going through our squads and the players we’ve got, we think opening is the best fit. We’ve got some guys in the middle order that are a lot more destructive than I am, and it’s better off for me and Ricks to be up top.
Markram, who excelled as an IPL opener for Lucknow Super Giants in 2025 with five fifties at a strike rate of 148.82, hasn’t passed fifty in a T20I since October 2022. His partnerships with Rickelton in this series have been modest — 12 and 34 — but the form of Dewald Brevis, who smashed an unbeaten 125 in Darwin, offers hope.
The Captain’s All-Round Role
Markram also brings an off-spin option and has occasionally taken the new ball — including removing Travis Head in the second T20I.
It’s very much a feel thing. The wicket might be on the slower side or offer something, and you take that punt. I just go with my gut in the moment and back that.
A Rare Opportunity for the Proteas
South Africa have won just one of their last nine bilateral T20I series and lost the recent tri-series final to New Zealand. For Markram, this is about more than just one match.
It feels like we are moving in the right direction. The bowlers have been pretty good, and the previous game was an individual performance with Brevis. Tomorrow is a nice challenge for our batters to click together and put on a good score.
Probable Playing XIs: Australia: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (capt), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Senuran Muthusamy, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.
