ICC World Cup 2019: Match 45, Australia vs South Africa – Australia’s Predicted Playing XI

Australia will look to keep the winning momentum going when they go up against a dismal South Africa team on July 6 (Saturday) at the Old Trafford in Manchester. The Aussies are currently at the top of the points table and will look to finish on the top.

Australia have been a dominant force in this World Cup, winning seven of the eight matches so far. While skipper Aaron Finch and David Warner have given good starts consistently, Alex Carey has scored quickfire runs in the death overs. Mitchell Starc has led the bowling unit which has been further bolstered by the inclusion of Nathan Lyon in the playing XI.

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The defending champions will look to play the same brand of cricket they have been playing before moving onto the semifinals.

Here is the predicted playing XI of Australia for match 45 of the ICC World Cup 2019 against South Africa at Old Trafford in Manchester:

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AARON FINCH

Skipper Aaron Finch has been in form for Australia and had led the side from the front. The swashbuckling opener will look to play another big knock against South Africa and forge a good opening partnership with David Warner to fine-tune his skills before the semifinals.

DAVID WARNER

David Warner has been the highest run-scorer of the tournament and had led the batting of the Aussies. The southpaw has looked in magical touch, and if he gets going, South Africa will have a really tough time at Manchester.

USMAN KHAWAJA

Usman Khawaja has finally hit the strides after a poor start to the World Cup. The southpaw will hope to keep up his form as Australia look to keep the winning run going.

STEVEN SMITH

The former Australian skipper has made a solid comeback with useful contributions in the middle order. Smith has led the batting from the front if they have lost early wickets and rotated the strike to help the batters to follow, unleash a carnage in the final overs.

GLENN MAXWELL

Glenn Maxwell has made useful contributions with the bat playing some quickfire knocks. Australia will want Maxwell to chip in with the ball as well in the middle overs to keep the opponent scoreboard under control.

MARCUS STOINIS

Marcus Stoinis will look to get going before the start of the knockout stages of the World Cup. The all-rounder is yet to showcase his talent in the World Cup and will aim to hit the strides before the semifinals.

ALEX CAREY

Alex Carey has been brilliant behind the stumps, but runs with the bat have dried up barring the game against India. Besides, he has had only limited opportunities with the bat due to some strong contributions from the top-order and will want to contribute if any opportunities come his way.

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NATHAN COULTER NILE

Nathan Coulter Nile has been in and out of the team. The all-rounder will look to support the new ball bowlers and also chip in with some runs at the end to strengthen Australia’s batting order.

PAT CUMMINS

Pat Cummins has done an excellent job with the ball and will only aim to continue doing the job he has been doing. His partnership with Mitchell Starc has been a crucial factor for Australia in this World Cup.

NATHAN LYON

Nathan Lyon has been economical in the World Cup but has struggled to find wickets. The off-spinner will look to sneak in with a few wickets to provide support to the fast bowlers.

MITCHELL STARC

Mitchell Starc is currently the wicket-taker in this World Cup and has bowled with good pace and zeal. Starc will want to be at his best against South Africa and keep the momentum before the semifinals.