PREVIEW
With Australia heading to Melbourne with a 2-1 series lead, can the South Africa's get the victory that will keep them in the series?
What: Australia v South Africa
When: Friday, November 21 – 2.20pm (AEDT)
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground
I can view it on: Channel Nine
What did they do last time?
The Aussies turned it on with the bat at Manuka Oval on Wednesday thanks largely to a splendid knock by Aaron Finch, who smashed 109 to set Australia up for victory. Steve Smith was also pivotal with 73 runs off just 55 balls as he ensured the Australian innings ended with a flourish. The Proteas didn't go down without a fight, Hashim Amla hitting a century of his own but it was in vain as South Africa fell 73 runs short of their target of 329. Solid bowling from Mitchell Starc (4/32) and Josh Hazlewood (3/51) was also a highlight with the Australians bouncing back from their Canberra debacle in the best way possible.
Things you need to know
If Australia get the win at the 'G, they will take the series and ensure they head into both the Brisbane Test match against India and the World Cup full of momentum. However, it will be far from easy with South Africa packed full of quality, particularly their bowling unit who will be looking to recapture the form that saw them destroy their hosts in the 2nd ODI over in Perth.
From a statistical point of view, AB De Villiers (180 runs) has scored the most runs of any player in the series, with Finch (152), Amla (120) and George Bailey (107) behind him. Faf Du Plessis is due a turnaround in form after scores of 31, 19 and 17 in the series so far. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir has also been disappointing, taking just one wicket for the loss of 131 runs. In stark contrast, Australia paceman Hazlewood has surged into Test contention with nine wickets in the three games.
Reason to watch
International cricket at the MCG? If it's good enough for Bill Lawry, it's good enough for you! In all seriousness though, this should be a cracker as South Africa look to avoid a loss that would mean a fruitless trip Down Under after they were beaten in the Twenty20 series earlier in the month. With the Aussies equally motivated to close out the series, it should be yet another great game between two quality sides
Reason to turn away
As long as you can put up with James Brayshaw and co. in the commentary box, there really isn't any reason not to watch this one!
Say what?
"Extras were too many (12) and little basics we got wrong I think cost us the game today. I think if we were chasing 290-300, we could have handled it a lot different, changed our approach. Hashim and I could have taken our time a bit out there, and the guys to follow. So, unfortunately we lacked a little bit there I feel." - AB De Villiers highlighting exactly what his side needs to improve on following their loss in Canberra.
Final instructions
If the last two matches in the series taught us anything, it's that the team that bats first must make the most of the opportunity. The 2nd ODI saw Australia score just 154 and subesquently get rolled with relative ease, while Wednesday's big win epitomised how important defending a big total is. Furthermore, the opening partnership between Finch and Dave Warner is pivotal to Australia's success, and if the South Africans can break it early they will give themselves a massive chance of going on with the job. As mentioned above, the Proteas need to get more out of Du Plessis and Tahir, while Farhaan Behardien must do more with the bat at number six. As for the Aussies, another strong performance from Hazlewood will go a long way to helping them get over the line, and if Finch and co. can repeat their performance with the bat the hosts will be extremely hard to beat. Australia by 26 runs.