SA vs AUS 2nd ODI: Why is Ashton Agar not playing South Africa vs Australia second ODI match?

Cricket enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated the second ODI clash between South Africa and Australia, but there’s one significant omission from the Australian side. Ashton Agar, hero of the last match, is not taking part in this crucial match.

Why is Ashton Agar not playing SA vs AUS 2nd ODI match?

The primary reason for Ashton Agar’s absence from the second ODI against South Africa is his recent calf strain. Team management has decided to rest Agar to ensure he fully recovers from this injury. With the ODI World Cup 2023 on the horizon, Australia’s team management is taking a cautious approach.

Ashton Agar has been a crucial asset for the Australian cricket team, known for his left-arm spin bowling and lower-order batting contributions. His performances in both facets of the game have made him a valuable presence in the squad. And the way he stitched match-winning partnership with Marnus Labuschange in the last match when the chips were down has bolstered his stocks.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh at Toss: Bit warmer tonight, probably would have bowled first. Looks very similar, it plays better under lights with dew around. Execution is the key here. We have to assess the conditions and see where it takes us. We have two debutants, TIm David and Aaron Hardie come into the side and Ellis comes in place of Hazlewood.

Australia Playing XI

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey(w), Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

Bench: Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha

South Africa Playing XI

Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Bench: Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Dewald Brevis, Wayne Parnell, Reeza Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin, Tristan Stubbs