Depleted Proteas give Aussies ODI shock

A weakened South Africa had some brutally honest conversations before giving Australia a rude awakening in their one-day international series.

The tourists were outclassed in the series-opener in Paarl, losing by 74 runs in a blowout played in the shadow of bushfires ripping through the Cape Winelands.

Having gone 12 months without winning a series in any format, South Africa opted to rest Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen for the three ODIs.

The move suggested the Proteas intended to prioritise player development over winning an ODI series several years removed from the next 50-over World Cup.

However, South Africa proved too good for a virtually full-strength Australia side in Paarl - even without pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada who was missing due to a groin injury,

The win was notable for its lack of reliance on star wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, who had carried the team for much of the summer.

South Africa's captain fell for 15 before the recalled Heinrich Klaasen blasted an outstanding unbeaten 123 to set the hosts a winning platform.

"It's not the Quinton de Kock show. He's an incredible player but we can't put all the pressure on him," Klaasen said.

"The coach and Quinny also (told) us if he doesn't score runs, someone needs to step up. He can't bat for 50 overs on his own.

"So the big conversation we had is maybe the other guys also need to take it on the chin, man up and also produce numbers as well."

South Africa limped out of last year's World Cup in the group stage while Australia advanced to the semi-finals.

But the Proteas have retained a hold over Australia, beating them in nine of their past 10 ODIs.

"South Africa have got a great record against us in the recent past in this format of the game," Australia captain Aaron Finch said.

"It's something that we need to address."