<p><strong>South Africa v Australia - 3<sup>rd</sup> ODI – Match Preview</strong></p>
<p>After sharing the spoils from the opening two ODIs, the two cricketing heavy weights, Australia and South Africa, are set to lock horns in the series decider, which will be played at Kingsmead, Durban, today, October 28, 2011.</p>
<p>It has been an indifferent performance from both the teams, where neither of the two has asserted full authority on the proceedings. The Aussies performed impeccably in the rain-hit first ODI, romping to an easy victory by 93 runs.</p>
<p>However, the Proteas clawed back at the deficit with a superb collective outing, thumping to an 80-run win with their under-fire batting clicking, and their bowlers doing an able job to restrict their opponents.</p>
<p>Going into the final match, no side has a clear cut advantage; however, the momentum has certainly shifted in favour of the hosts.</p>
<p>The Proteas, who had a six-month long break after the World Cup 2011, are finally getting into gear under new coach, Gary Kirsten. Their preparations were somewhat hindered after injury to new ODI skipper, Ab De Villiers; however, they have managed to remain
in the hunt and a series win against the Aussies will a perfect confidence booster for the team.</p>
<p>Playing at home, they will certainly bank on doing justice to their abilities and get back to winning ways. The main problem highlighted was their batting, which showed signs of real improvement and with interim skipper, Hashim Amla yet to fire - the composition
looks pretty daunting for any opposition.</p>
<p>The key member of their team will be pacer, Dale Steyn. Seeing the likes of Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Morne Morkel perform exceptionally, Steyn's performances in the first two ODIs were well below par and he will be looking to meet his high standards and guide
his team to a series win.</p>
<p>The Kangaroos, under skipper Michael Clarke, have regained their appetite for reaching the top, and a win in the final One-Dayer will go a long way in asserting their claim. However, the defeat suffered in the second game was a bit of a set-back for the
team, who always played second fiddle to their opponents.</p>
<p>The biggest worry faced by the team is the fitness of Shane Watson. The all-rounder had to leave the field during his 4<sup>th</sup> over and could only manage to play a handful of balls when he came down the order. It is expected that he will be available
for the decider; however, it remains to be seen whether the management gambles on the fitness of their vice-captain.</p>
<p>If they decide not to play Watson, left-hander, Shaun Marsh is the likely candidate to slot in, with Ricky Ponting moving down, at his customary No. 3 position</p>
<p>They key for the team will be Michael Hussey. The left-hander has got starts in both the games, but has not been able to turn them into big scores. The veteran earlier emphasized the importance of approaching the game with confidence and the team will be
banking on his abilities to put the finishing touches to the game.</p>
<p>Heavy rain is expected, so both teams will have an eye on the Duckworth Lewis method, which could come into play. However, the pitch will contain moisture and grass, assisting the pacers of the respective outfits.</p>
<p>A nail-biting finish is expected to the series, with both teams looking to come up trumps.</p>
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