Proteas captain Quinton de Kock won the toss and opted to bowl first in Friday’s first T20I against Australia at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
The Proteas are without batsman Temba Bavuma, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. The Australians don’t have all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who was ruled out by an elbow injury.
This is Australian batsman David Warner and Steven Smith’s first visit to South Africa since 2018’s ball-tampering controversy. Warner and Smith are expecting a hostile reception in Johannesburg and beyond.
‘They are hostile at the best of times here. It doesn’t bother me too much. I honestly don’t notice it, particularly when I am batting. I don’t really hear anything that’s going on and I block it all out,’ said Smith.
‘Maybe a little bit when I am fielding. But then again it’s just words, it doesn’t affect me. I think I will be doing some outfielding so I’m looking forward to it. I will smile and laugh and play along and have fun.
‘Walking into the hotel in Sandton, initially I was like, last time I left here it wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t the best time in my life. But I’ve moved on from that and learned a lot over the last two years and I’m moving forward.
‘I’ve been to a few of the restaurants where people have been lovely. Guys have come up and had a few photographs, so that’s been good. It’s been pretty normal to when I have been here previously.’
St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth and Newlands in Cape Town will host the third and final T20I, respectively. The teams will then meet for three ODIs at Boland Park, Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein and Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
South Africa: TBC.
Australia: TBC.
Photo: Gallo Images
