Conrad backs young bowlers as South Africa brace for 'massive summer' against Australia

Players unite for moment of silence over gender-based violence

Before the first ball was bowled, both teams lined up for their national anthems and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of victims of gender-based violence, with players, fans and officials coming together in Durban to show solidarity and honour those affected.

Renshaw embraces the braais and the challenge of No. 4

Australia's Matt Renshaw said he "didn't think it would be this humid in South Africa" and noted that the wicket "looks similar to Gabba." He added that he had enjoyed his first experience playing in South Africa, "embracing the local culture and making the most of the opportunity to sample as many braais as possible."

On batting at No. 4 after moving around the order, Renshaw said the role "depends on the conditions and format" and that he had enjoyed the contrast with red-ball cricket, where he is more accustomed to opening the batting. He joked about his off-spin, describing it as "very filthy," but said he could potentially be called upon to bowl if the opportunity arises, modelling himself on former England spinner Graeme Swann while acknowledging his own skill set is "probably quite different."

Conrad: losing Rabada and Ngidi is an opportunity

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad underlined that "a massive summer lies ahead" and that there could be "no better way to set the tone than a strong showing against an opponent like Australia." On injuries within the squad, he conceded it had been disruptive but stressed finding a way through regardless, calling resilience the hallmark of the team and refusing to let panic creep in.

With nine ODIs before next year's World Cup, Conrad pointed to a few positions and combinations still being weighed up, and said building capacity and depth in those areas will happen along the way. On the absences of experienced campaigners Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, and whether younger bowlers might feel exposed as a result, he framed it as "exactly the path the side prefers to take," arguing that "anyone can point out the problems, but chooses instead to see the situation as a genuine opportunity."

Marsh happy to bowl first after Zimbabwe positives

Marsh said Australia were happy to bowl first after an early start and pointed to the positives from their recent tour of Zimbabwe. On Cooper Connolly, Marsh said: "He's a gr…" – his thoughts cut short as the teams prepared to take the field at Kingsmead.