South Africa pull out of Australia ODIs as World Cup qualification hopes take a hit

The Proteas were due to play three 50-over matches in mid-January but after new dates could not be found in the schedule have been forced to forfeit the series

South Africa men's World Cup 2023 qualification attempts have been hit by their withdrawal from a one-day international series against Australia.

The Proteas were due to face Aaron Finch's side in three ODIs in mid-January 2023 but had asked for the matches to be re-arranged due to a clash with their new franchise T20 league.

But with Cricket Australia being unable to find space in a schedule that already includes visits from Zimbabwe, New Zealand, West Indies, England, South Africa and a T20 World Cup, the matches are off.

With the series being part of the ongoing Cricket World Cup Super League, which delivers qualification for the next 50-over tournament in India in 2023, Australia will be awarded the 30 points, pending approval by the ICC.

^{South Africa are now facing a World Cup qualifier to progress to the 2023 event in India (Gallo Images/Getty Images)}

Pulling out of the matches is a major blow to South Africa's hopes of being among the automatic qualifiers for the tournament.

They currently sit 11th in the 13-nation table, with 49 points from 13 games. Just two further opportunities remain for them to accrue points during the cycle, against India and world champions England, leaving them with an uphill battle to climb into the top eight.

For Australia, it opens up the possibility of several of their white-ball stars being involved in the majority of the Big Bash League.

Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Aaron Finch, Mitch Marsh and Ashton Agar have now seen their schedule freed up and could be available for their franchises for the entire competition.

Meanwhile, all-format Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood and David Warner - all of whom are uncontracted - could now return to the competition.

Melbourne Stars could have Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell available for the entire BBL campaign (Cameron Spence/Getty Images)

Fast bowlers Pat Cummins, the Test captain, and Mitchell Starc have already ruled out featuring due to the intense schedule.

There are a handful of changes to the international fixture list as a result of South Africa's decision.

The second West Indies men's T20I on October 7 has been shifted from Metricon Stadium to The Gabba, while first T20I against England on October 9 will be played at Perth Stadium.

Meanwhile, the women will play Pakistan in the second of three T20Is at Blundstone Arena on January 26, instead of Munauka Oval a day later, to ensure Hobart hosts an Australia team.

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