Proteas eye Australia series sweep, boost confidence for CWC

South Africa have already secured an unassailable 2-0 ODI series lead against Australia after victories in Durban and Johannesburg and spinner Keshav Maharaj stressed the importance of finishing the series one step higher against the reigning ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup champions.

"You want to try and be as clinical as possible in a series of this magnitude," Maharaj said.

"They are the world champions, so it's always nice to build confidence.

"It is probably just over 12 months away but it's a wonderful steppingstone and foundation to build on. It shows character.

"It shows champion mentality, but it's about the process that we're focussing on behind everything and letting it play out that way and just sort of doing the basics really well.

“Obviously, there are areas where we can improve, that we can keep building on. If we can execute that, then hopefully we come on the right side of things."

South Africa's victories in the opening two matches in Durban and Johannesburg have showcased their ability to adapt to different conditions.

Matthew Breetzke's 112 helped set up a 67-run win in Durban, before centuries from Temba Bavuma and David Miller powered the Proteas to 365/9 and an eventual 32-run victory at the Wanderers.

The second ODI also highlighted the impact of spin, with Australia again struggling against South Africa's slower bowlers.

Maharaj, who's picked up six wickets so far in the series, however, still feels the tournament is a long way away to predict the conditions.

"The World Cup's a long way away. So it's hard to say, I think conditions do change as the year goes on through and things.

"It would be interesting to see what happens next year come the World Cup."

With the series already secured, the third ODI in Potchefstroom could also provide an opportunity for South Africa to assess their depth and give fringe players valuable exposure against a high-quality Australia side.

South Africa have been forced to manage their resources during the series, with key frontline fast bowlers unavailable, while the squad also contains a number of players pushing for regular ODI opportunities.

Maharaj expects those players to make the most of any opportunity that comes their way.

"You're playing against a high quality opposition, so when the fringe players get the opportunity, I'm sure they want to put their hands up with performances that sort of shows the depth and also shows their quality and how they can put it into international cricket.

"So I'm sure when they do get the opportunity, they will take that with both hands."

South Africa

Temba Bavuma, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duan Jansen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Nqobani Mokoena, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Lizaad Williams.

Australia

Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa.

Fixtures and Results

First Dafabet ODI - Thursday, 24 September at 10am @ Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban - SA won by 67 runs

Second Dafabet ODI - Sunday, 27 September at 10am @ DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg - SA won by 32 runs

Third Dafabet ODI - Wednesday, 30 September at 1.30pm @ NWC Oval, Potchefstroom