The Aussies took a 2-0 series lead in Bloemfontein on Saturday with a big 123-run win in the second ODI at the Mangaung Oval, while a couple of days earlier they won the first game by three wickets.

A win by South Africa will be needed if they are to stand any chance of avoiding a series defeat.

The Proteas will be looking to make a big step-up in both the batting and bowling departments heading into the third game.

The spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi, who took 4/61 in his 10 overs said they are not going to just roll over.

“We are going to have to take our licks - we haven't produced the results and we have to be accountable for the performances that we are producing,” said Shamsi.

“Having said that, we have been working hard. It's not from a lack of work ethic and stuff like that. People that do their work behind the scenes have been doing their work.

“We've got to live with this - when Australia previously visited our shores, we managed to beat them 5-0 and 3-0. This time around the shoe is on the other foot and we are going to have to make sure that we come back firing in the next three games. We haven't been good enough. It doesn't mean that we aren't good enough, we have just lacked that execution.

“It's definitely not from a lack of practice, training, planning and stuff like that. The work ethic of the guys in the changeroom has been unbelievable. The results haven't gone our way and I'm sure that you guys and the people at home are disappointed, but so are we.

“The series is still alive and you are going to see us try and win it 3-2. That's for sure!”

Meanwhile, the seasoned fast bowler, Anrich Nortjé, has been ruled out of the 3rd ODI. He left the field with back spasms on Saturday after bowling just five overs which went for 58-runs. He did however return to back and scored 10-runs in the losing cause.

Play at the JB Marks Oval is scheduled to get underway on Tuesday afternoon at 13:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport