South Africa opt to bat first against Australia

South Africa opt to bat first against Australia

London: South African skipper Faf du Plessis during the 30th match of 2019 World Cup between South Africa and Pakistan at Lord

Manchester, July 6 (IANS) South Africa skipper Faf Du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia in the final group stage game of the World Cup here on Saturday.

Australia, who are on top of the 10-team points table, remained unchanged for the game.

"Nice to recharge the batteries... Had a hectic period for a bit in the middle. We have continued to improve in all areas of the game," Australia captain Aaron Finch said at the toss.

South Africa, who are already out of the competition, had to leave out veteran opener Hashim Amla who got injured, bringing in Tabraiz Shamsi in his place.

"Going to have a bat. Looks a good wicket. Forced change. Playing a second spinner. Hashim Amla got hit on the knee yesterday, he's missing. Chance to look at Shamsi. Haven't played our best cricket. Today is a big occassion," Du Plessis said.

Playing XI

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (captain), Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Jean-Paul Duminy, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi

--IANS

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