Methodical Marnus trumps terrific Temba as Aussies down Proteas in bizarre first ODI

The verdict is in: As opposition, you don't want Marnus Labuschagne coming in to bat as a concussion substitute.

Back in the 2019 Ashes - as the first player in Test history to be used in such a role - he held off England's victory charge at Lord's with a 59 that propelled him to international stardom.

On Thursday night, Australia's South African-born star was again required to pad up unexpectedly and duly trumped a magnificent innings by Temba Bavuma as the visitors claimed a bizarre three-wicket victory over the Proteas in the first ODI in Bloemfontein.

Desperate to get their final build-up before the World Cup in India off to a positive start, particularly after a raw combination got whitewashed in the T20 series, South Africa will ponder what, in general, was a below-par showing.

In fact, had it not been for an unfamiliarly slow Mangaung Oval wicket, the result might not have been as deceptively close.

That the Proteas managed to cobble together a target of 222 was down the class and resilience of their diminutive skipper.

Dropped on 2 when he drove a Sean Abbott delivery somewhat tentatively, Bavuma took full advantage to craft a fifth ODI hundred that, by far, showcased his greatest qualities.

AS IT HAPPENED | Proteas v Australia, 1st ODI

Patient, prudent and skilful, he showed the way against a supremely disciplined Aussie attack that strangled the rest of the batting order by bowling a fuller length and focusing on a stump-to-stump line.

To be honest, the first half of the match felt like a throwback to the pioneering years of the 50-over format, a gritty and intriguing battle between bat and ball.

For the purists, it would've been enthralling; the T20 generation with its short attention span, not so much.

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