Cricket
Mackay hosts first men’s ODI in 33 years as Australia face Proteas─── MORGAN PIEK 10:40 Thu, 21 Aug 2025
The Proteas and Australia are set to contest only the second-ever men’s One-Day International (ODI) in the northern Queensland city of Mackay.
The two sides will meet on Friday at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, hosting its first ODI in more than 33 years. The last men’s ODI played there was during the 1992 Cricket World Cup, when India and Sri Lanka shared a no result.
While the venue has seen women’s international cricket more recently, it has also hosted a handful of men’s A-level internationals in the past.
Great Barrier Reef Arena. Photo: Cricinfo
Proteas batter Matthew Breetzke, who struck 57 runs in South Africa’s 98-run victory in the first ODI, admitted the team isn’t too familiar with conditions in Mackay. He felt, however, that the wicket in Cairns was very similar to the one at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
“Interestingly, that first game in Cairns was played on a wicket that felt a lot like Potch – quite slow and spin-friendly – which surprised me, because I came here expecting quick wickets,” Breetzke said.
“This one will be completely different, and we’ll have to adjust. We had a training session in the nets, which looked similar to the match surface, and there seems to be a bit more pace and something in it for the bowlers. So, we’ll have to assess those first 10 overs tomorrow and take it from there.”
Prenelan Subrayen. Photo: Cricinfo
Meanwhile, the Proteas may be without Dolphins off-spinner, Prenelan Subrayen, for the second ODI, after he was reported for a suspect bowling action during the series opener in Cairns.
Match officials raised concerns in their post-match report about the legality of the 31-year-old’s action. In line with ICC regulations, Subrayen must now undergo an independent assessment at an ICC-accredited testing centre in Brisbane, where his action will be analysed.
Adam Zampa. Photo: Cricinfo
On the Australian side, leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first ODI. Zampa was found guilty of using an audible obscenity after a misfield in the 37th over, with the incident picked up on the stump mic.
He accepted the sanction and received one demerit point – his first in 24 months.
The second ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay is scheduled to start at 06:30 on Friday.
