Allrounder Mitchell Marsh has brushed aside suggestions that he might open the innings in the ODIs for Australia just ahead of the World Cup next month. Earlier this year, Marsh managed to open the batting in 50-over cricket in India and managed to fetch success in the absence of Warner.
Even when the veteran left-hander returned to the XI for the final ODI, he moved down to bat No.4 with Marsh holding onto his spot up top. Given Marsh's recent turnaround in fortunes with the bat across formats, there were suggestions that he might continue to open especially after being named captain now in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins.
"I expect to bat middle order," Marsh told AAP ahead of the first ODI. "Things may change, but Davey is literally one of the GOATs of one-day cricket and white-ball cricket in general. We have Travis Head and Australia's best-ever all-three-format player there, so I dare say I probably won't be opening the batting."
Australia have announced their XI for the first game of the series with Marsh slotted to bat at No.3 in the absence of Steve Smith, who is nursing an injury. Both Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis manage to find a spot in the XI as well and the visitors are also all set to field both keepers - Alex Carey and Josh Inglis. Cummins is expected to skip the entire series despite being available with the group as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained during the Ashes.
Sean Abbott, who has been picked to play in the ODI World Cup for the first time, will be in the XI alongside Josh Hazlewood and the two spinners - Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar. Having thrashed the hosts 3-0 in the T20I series, Australia's challenge in the ODIs will get tougher with South Africa welcoming back some big names. The first ODI is scheduled to be held in Bloemfontein on September 7.
Australia's playing XI for 1st ODI - David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (C), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa