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“The ball turned in the second innings and their spinners were very good.”
Australia’s chase for South Africa’s big total started positively, with Warner adding 79 for the first wicket with Travis Head (38), then 61 with Marsh (29). The veteran opener looked set to score consecutive tons before his run in the 78th over swung the match towards South Africa.
David Warner was run out after falling while attempting a quick single in the ODI match against South Africa in Potchefstroom.Credit: fox sports
Warner went for a single, slipped after losing his right shoe, dropped his bat and fell short as he dived to the non-striker’s side, beaten by Maharaj’s direct hit.
The next match, Marnus Labuschagne (15), in top form, was stumped by Quinton de Kock after being defeated by a magnificent error by Shamsi.
South Africa’s big win reduced Australia’s series lead to 2-1 ahead of games in Centurion on Friday against the Wanderers on Sunday.
Marsh said he was hopeful that all-rounder Cameron Green would be available for the final game after he was concussed by Kagiso Rabada in the series opener.
Aiden Markram on his way to his century and player of the match honours.Credit: getty
Australia are also willing to give South Australian speedster Spencer Johnson a debut ODI cap should he recover from his minor hamstring issue.
“Hopefully, Greeny can play maybe the last game,” Marsh said.
Combative seamer Gerald Coetzee took advantage of the work of South Africa’s spinners to claim four wickets.Credit: Rooster Images
“I’m not sure how many more games he has left with the new concussion protocols, but we certainly won’t take any chances with that kind of thing.
“Hopefully Spencer is on track to play one of those two games. It is at the beginning of his international career and we have to take care of him. Hamstrings are something you can’t really recover from quickly.”
After losing three T20 matches and two ODIs to Australia, Markram was happy to get a win on the board as next month’s World Cup looms.
“I think there’s a lot of relief involved,” he said. “We pride ourselves on being a really competitive cricket nation and when you don’t play up to those standards, it affects both the human being and the cricketer.
“When you get a good result, it means a lot to us. And it’s good to know that we have the character to turn things around in a game we must win tonight. “There are a lot of positives we can take forward and a bit of relief too.”
Earlier, openers Quinton de Kock (82) and Temba Bavuma (57) laid an excellent foundation allowing Markram to get out late.
The openers put on 146 for the first wicket before De Kock fell to the part-time spin of Head, who was Australia’s top bowler with 2-39 in 10 consecutive overs.
The Proteas were all out for 93 off the last eight overs and Markram increased his winning tone when he bowled Hazlewood to the ground for four in the last delivery of the innings.
Better news for Australia is that Steve Smith’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup are underway.
Charging
He posted an Instagram story earlier in the day saying the wrist injury he suffered in the Ashes “feels good” again after completing his first net session since the tour of England.
“A good first hit today in the nets, finally my wrist is starting to feel good,” Smith said in the video. “It’s been annoying for a while. I gave them a good hit today, so I’m hoping for some positive signs for what’s to come.”
AAP with Reuters
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