Alex Carey handed ODI recall as Australia chase series-levelling win in Johannesburg
Carey gets another chance to reclaim his ODI place
Alex Carey has been handed a major opportunity to re-establish himself in Australia’s ODI team after Josh Inglis was ruled out for the remainder of the series and potentially the wider tour. Carey is expected to take over behind the stumps for the second ODI against South Africa at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium.
Carey’s ODI form was strong as recently as 2025, but his numbers have dipped in 2026, including during Australia’s recent series in Zimbabwe. With Australia preparing to defend their World Cup crown on these shores next year, the upcoming matches in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom offer Carey a valuable chance to make a case for a place in the tournament squad.
Australia seek answers after collapse
The need for stability in the middle order was underlined in the series opener. Australia were well placed at 129 for one in the run chase but collapsed to be bowled out for 230. The retirements of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have left significant gaps, and Australia have yet to fill them with complete certainty.
Matt Renshaw has strengthened his position and Cameron Green has returned, but Carey’s recall could provide further security in a batting unit that has looked unsettled.
Regular captain Pat Cummins is also in contention to return. Cummins skipped the opening ODI with the Test series in mind and has played only two ODIs since the 2023 World Cup final. With Australia needing victory to level the series, his experience could prove decisive.
South Africa may welcome back Markram
South Africa will look to build on their victory in Durban and could bring Aiden Markram into a batting line-up that produced a strong performance in the opener. Matthew Breetzke continues to impress in 50-over cricket, while Marco Jansen made a significant contribution with a blistering half-century.
Despite injuries affecting South Africa’s fast-bowling resources, the attack worked effectively as a unit in the first match. That performance could leave Marco Jansen’s twin brother waiting for another opportunity, despite his recent form against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Match details and likely teams
The second ODI will be played on September 27, 2026, at 10am local time (1:30pm IST) at The Wanderers Stadium. The venue is known for high-scoring matches, and clear skies are forecast.
South Africa may retain their bowling attack, with a batting reshuffle possible if Markram returns. Their probable XI is Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi or Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj.
For Australia, Carey’s inclusion for Inglis is expected to be forced, while Jack Edwards could make way if Cummins returns. The probable XI is Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.