A flurry of injuries in the nets has dampened the Australian mood ahead o their last pool game against South Africa. While Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell were lucky to get away with minor issues, Shaun Marsh broke his wrist and was ruled out of the cup. Peter Handscomb has replaced the left-handed batsman in the squad who was earlier unlucky to miss out on selection. South African cricket is going through its darkest hours with quality players not coming through. The Kolpak deals has severely hampered their talent pool and will be one of the talking points when they return home. For now, their pride is at stake when they play Australia in Manchester. A look at the players to watch out for in the game. Australia vs South Africa Cricket Score 45th ODI Match.

Faf du Plessis – A wonderful servant for South African cricket, it is Faf Du Plessis’ last game in a World Cup. One of the best batsmen to play for the Proteas, he joins a long list of greats to have not won an ICC Trophy for his country. He will be tested against the mighty Australian pace attack which gives nothing away.

Imran Tahir – The spinner plays his last ODI game in a South Africa shirt and what a career it has been for Imran Tahir. The Proteas were never known for their spinners but Tahir changed all of that with his emergence eight years ago. The fans will be eager to see those famous Imran Tahir celebrations against Australia. AUS vs SA Head-to-Head Record: Ahead of ICC CWC 2019 Clash, Here Are Match Results of Last 5 Australia vs South Africa Encounters!.

David Warner – Sixteen months after that infamous bowl tampering incident against South Africa, David Warner faces the country again in a World Cup game. One of the leading run scorers in the tournament, he has been virtually unstoppable and seems to value his wicket more ever since that one year ban.

Aaron Finch – With 504 runs in the World Cup 2019, Aaron Finch is 4th on the top run-getters list. In addition to his brilliant batting, he has marshalled his resources well on the field and some of his bowling changes have been spot on. He will like the Manchester wicket as it remains good for batting throughout the game. Australia vs South Africa ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Weather Report: Check Out the Rain Forecast and Pitch Report of Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.

Mitchell Starc – The Australian pacer has been phenomenal with the bowl in England so far, picking up 24 wickets. The player of the series in the last World Cup has made batsmen dance to his tunes with tremendous line and length. He is more dangerous when Australia bowl second where scoreboard pressure helps him claim more wickets.

Australia vs South Africa, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 45 Video Preview

South Africa have been mediocre with most things they have done so far and it will take a special effort from them to overcome this Australian challenge.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2019 03:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).