It’s raining SA wickets after Proteas choose to bat first against Australia

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has won the toss and chosen to bat after being cleared to play in the Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia in Kolkata on Thursday.

While the under-fire skipper retains his spot at the top of the batting order, after recovering in time from a hamstring niggle, South Africa have made two changes to their team for the last-four clash.

Tabraiz Shamsi makes a return to the side in his fourth appearance at the World Cup (and his 50th career ODI), as the Proteas field two specialist spinners (along with Keshav Maharaj) at Eden Gardens. Shamsi takes the place of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi.

In-form all-rounder Marco Jansen also returns to the line-up after taking a rest in their last group stage match against Afghanistan. He replaces Andile Phehlukwayo.

Chasing history

South Africa have reached the World Cup semi-finals on four occasions – in 1992, 1999, 2007 and 2015 – but they will be targeting a spot in the final for the first time.

Australia, who are five-time champions, will be aiming to reach their seventh final at the quadrennial showpiece.

The winners of the semi-final battle will face unbeaten hosts India in the final of the tournament in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

South Africa

Temba Bavuma (capt), Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi

Australia

Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood