Australia in a spin after Proteas maul toothless attack as Marsh defends selections but admits they misread pitch

Captain Mitch Marsh has defended Australia’s decision to field only one specialist spinner after South Africa’s dual spin attack helped crush the tourists by 111 runs in the third one-day international at Potchefstroom.

While both teams’ seamers proved expensive at JB Marks Oval on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEST), the spinners proved tougher to get away.

Tweakers Tabraiz Shamsi (2-29) and Keshav Maharaj (2-37) turned the match South Africa’s way by tying down the Aussies in the middle overs.

Australia rested No.1 spinner Adam Zampa, while Ashton Agar missed the match with soreness.

Debutant Tanveer Sangha was Australia’s sole specialist turner and proved expensive (1-64 off eight overs), outbowled by part-timer Travis Head (2-39 off 10 successive overs).