AUS vs SA 2025: Why is Temba Bavuma not playing in 2nd ODI?

Published - 22 Aug 2025, 10:04 IST | Updated - 22 Aug 2025, 10:05 IST

The second ODI of the three-match series between Australia and South Africa will be played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, on Friday, August 22. South Africa head into the contest with a 1-0 lead, having won the opening fixture by 98 runs, thanks to a sensational five-wicket haul from Keshav Maharaj. The Proteas will look to clinch the series, while the hosts will aim to bounce back and level it.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma, who scored a fine half-century in the series opener, will miss the second ODI. He has been rested to manage his workload after recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during the World Test Championship Final in June. Although he showed no discomfort in the first ODI, the medical team has recommended precautionary rest. Aiden Markram will lead the side in Bavuma’s absence.

We are going to bat first. Looks good to the eye, again don't have too much info on the venue, hopefully put up a good score. Temba is good, he's just having a rest day, de Zorzi comes in for him and Muthusamy comes in for Subrayen. It is always good to win but it is more important to back them up and that's where the focus is today.

We were actually going to bat first today. Looks like a really good one-day wicket, happy to bowl first and hopefully we can restrict them to a chaseable total. Bartlett comes in for Dwarshius. We were outplayed, take our caps off for South Africa but today is an opportunity to bounce back, the series is still alive and the boys are up for it today.

Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Ryan Rickelton(w), Aiden Markram(c), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi