Australia v South Africa 2014: Combined ODI XI

With the commencement of a potentially nail biting series just a fortnight away, here is an attempt to pick a combined ODI XI from these two world-class limited overs international outfits.Note: The team is selected based on performances over a period of time and not just from the squads named for the upcoming encounter.

#1 Hashim Amla

The technically strong South African right-hander is an obvious choice at the top of the order ahead of his competitors. Adept in all conditons, Hashim Amla still strikes at a brisk rate, as well.

#2 David Warner

The pocket dynamite is slowly transforming himself into one of the best Australian openers. While his ODI average of 32 is hardly convincing, and could be attributed towards him not playing too many matches in this format, his recent form is very difficult to ignore, which results in Quinton de Kock missing out despite becoming the fastest to reach 1000 ODI runs.

#3 Faf du Plessis

The right hander has been in remarkable form, of late, having broken the record for most runs scored in a triangular ODI tournament in Zimbabwe. Can play according to the situation and accelerates at ease, as well.

The Chennai Super Kings player can tackle both pace and spin equally well, thus making him an ideal candidate for the No.3 slot.

#4 Michael Clarke

Yes, he isn't the fittest around, has been in and out of the side in recent times, yet the Australian skipper makes it to the team for his temperament and consistency. With 7700+ ODI runs under his belt, the 33-year-old is capable of carrying the innings forward to the finishers.

No special introduction needed for his captaincy skills, with him being among the best in the business currently.

#5 AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, one of the very few complete players in world cricket today, is an obvious choice and takes care of the wicket-keeping duties of the side, too.

The free-flowing batsman is a threat to any opposition and has the ability to tear apart even the best in the business right from the word go.

#6 JP Duminy

The 30-year-old has been exceptional as a finisher in recent times, both at the country and club level, and gets his nod ahead of Glenn Maxwell for the same reason. David Miller is one who is gradually improving, but a below par average of 29.68 goes against his inclusion.

#7 James Faulkner

Since there is no place for Shane Watson in this team, the inclusion of Faulkner as an all-rounder becomes mandatory. The left-arm fast bowler has often bailed Australia out with the bat.

One can remember the hammering he dished out to Ishant Sharma in India in 2013. On the bowling front, more than just a handy pick and on his day will land his yorkers almost perfectly, giving nothing away for the batsman to score from.

#8 Mitchell Johnson

The Australian left-arm quick will utilize any available movement on offer to the fullest and is someone who can be trusted to deliver consistently with the new ball.

With a good bouncer and a deceptive slower ball in his armoury, Mitchell Johnson is an automatic pick for the side.

#9 Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn is already being regarded as one of the greatest bowlers to have ever played the game of cricket and is capable of forming a dream new ball combination along with Mitchell Johnson.

#10 Mitchell Starc

The left-arm quick is preferred ahead of Morne Morkel for his effective death bowling skills. With a simple action, Starc still generates good pace on the ball and is an electrifying presence in the outfield.

The 24-year-old has all the qualities needed for a fast bowler and is no less of a threat with the new ball, as well.

#11 Imran Tahir

Lack of top-class spin bowling options forces the inclusion of Imran Tahir. The leg-spinner has been showing promising signs lately and in supporting conditions has shown that he can deliver.