Important weekend for Proteas

The Proteas' Standard Bank ODI squad embarks on “one of its most important weekends” over the course of the next few days in the words of captain Johan Botha.

The first encounter in the five-match series take place at the MCG on Friday afternoon and evening followed by the second match at Hobart's Bellerive Oval on Sunday.

“We start the series at 0-0,” pointed out Botha. “We can put a lot of pressure on Australia if we have a winning weekend. At the same time it will allow the players to forget quickly about the two T20 defeats.”

The good news for South Africa is that Jacques Kallis has put his flu behind him and will definitely play. Botha also expressed confidence that AB de Villiers would be fit to play.

On the Australian side vice-captain Michael Clarke has been passed fit to play which means that T20 Melbourne hero David Warner has left the squad as has standby fast bowler Ryan Harris. Australia will choose from the remaining 12 with a final choice to be made between one of the seamers and specialist spin bowler Nathan Hauritz.

One-day programme: January 16: Melbourne; January 18: Hobart; January 23: Sydney; January 26: Adelaide; January 30: Perth