South Africa vs Australia, ODIs: List of key takeaways
What's the story
After losing the T20Is, South Africa showed their value by pocketing the ODI series against Australia. The Proteas did a reasonable job in the first two matches to take a 2-0 lead. The hosts then won the third ODI to complete a sweep. SA, who face India next in an ODI series, will draw plenty of positives. We look at the key takeaways.
SA vs AUS
How did the 3rd ODI pan out?
Australia's top order failed to provide a spark and that saw the team lose three quick scalps (55/3). Marnus Labuschagne scored a century for the visitors. He got support from D'Arcy Short (36) and Mitchell Marsh (32). However, SA picked up wickets when needed and restricted Australia to 254/7. In reply, JJ Smuts and Kyle Verreynne scored respective fifties for SA.
Consistency
Consistency in batting the main positive for South Africa
What South Africa showed in the series was a sheer amount of consistency. They batted well throughout the series and got the job done. In all three games, they looked comfortable and you had different players stepping up. Heinrich Klassen was superb throughout the series. Opener Janneman Malan impressed with a ton in the second ODI. The others chipped in too.
Top order
Australian top order not up to the mark
Australian openers couldn't quite live up to expectations in this series. The pair of Aaron Finch and David Warner got partnership scores of 23, 50 and 12. That hurt the side and out pressure on the others early on. These two, alongside Steve Smith are crucial for Australia's fortunes. Finch and Smith got a fifty each but the lack something big proved costly.
Contrast
SA pacers excel, Australia lose five in a row
South African pacers bowled well collectively as a unit. To perform well in the absence of star pacer Kagiso Rabada showed that the side can be effective. The crop of pacers claimed 19 wickets between them. On the other hand, Australia have work to do. After losing the ODIs against India by a 2-1 margin, they fell short to register five successive losses.