Australia Opt to Bowl as Carey is Drafted in for Inglis

New Delhi, August 12, 2025: The second T20 International between Australia and South Africa has seen a significant change in team lineups, with Australia winning the toss and electing to bowl first. The highly anticipated match, played in Darwin, will be contested by slightly altered squads, as confirmed by both teams ahead of play.

A forced change has been made to the Australian XI, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey being brought into the team. He was selected to replace Josh Inglis, who has been unwell with what are being described as flu-like symptoms. Inglis, who played in the first T20, will be rested as a precautionary measure. Carey’s inclusion marks his return to the T20 international side after a notable absence, having last been picked in this format in 2021. Sean Abbott has also been brought in, with Nathan Ellis being rested.

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On the other side, two changes were announced for the South African team. Rassie van der Dussen was recalled to the side, with his return being seen as an important boost to the batting lineup. His selection comes after strong domestic form and is considered part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Spinners George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy were dropped from the team, and a young leg-spinner, Nqaba Peter, has also been included in the Proteas’ starting XI.

The decision to bowl first was made by Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, a strategy that has been seen before in this series. In the previous match, which was also held at the same venue, South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. That game was ultimately won by Australia by 17 runs, a result that extended their winning streak in T20Is to nine matches.

All eyes will be on both Carey and van der Dussen, as their performances will be closely watched. Carey’s return to the T20 setup will be scrutinized, while van der Dussen’s recall is expected to provide some stability to a South African batting order that will be keen to get back on track after the first match was lost. The conditions in Darwin have been described as good for batting, so a high-scoring game could be expected. The match is being played under lights, and the toss could prove to be an important factor in the final outcome. The series will be decided over three matches, with the third and final T20I being played in Cairns on Saturday.