2LT National News

Canberra – South Africa captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat in the Proteas’ only tour match ahead of a three-match limited-overs series against Australia.

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Du Plessis said ahead of the day-night match at Manuka Oval on Wednesday against a Prime Minister’s XI that he would play his strongest-possible lineup ahead of Sunday’s first ODI match against Australia in Perth.

The PM’s XI is a largely developmental lineup led by Test veteran George Bailey.

The South Africans made a stuttering start when they slumped to 156 for eight after 36 overs at 07:10 (SA time) on Wednesday.

Aiden Markram made 46, while David Miller made 45.

Teams:

PM’s XI

George Bailey (captain), Max Bryant, Jack Edwards, Josh Philippe, Kurtis Patterson, Sam Heazlett, Jason Sangha, Jason Behrendorff, Ben Dwarshuis, Blake Edwards, Usman Qadir. 12th man: Tom Engelbrecht

South Africa

Faf du Plessis (captain), Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Dwaine Pretorius, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir. 12th man: Andile Phehlukwayo

Umpires: Simon Fry and Shawn Craig, Australia

Third Umpire: Simon Lightbody, Australia. Match Referee: Steve Bernard, Australia