Australia's batsmen rewrote the history books in the third ODI against South Africa on Sunday, with three players scoring centuries in the same innings for the first time in the country's history. Openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, along with number three Cameron Green, all reached triple figures in a stunning display of power-hitting in Mackay.
The platform for the historic achievement was laid by a mammoth 250-run opening partnership between Travis Head and captain Mitchell Marsh. Both openers played with aggressive intent, dismantling the South African bowling attack to each bring up their centuries. Their dominance set the stage perfectly for what was to come.
Following the dismissal of the openers, Cameron Green came to the crease and unleashed an absolute masterclass in power-hitting. The all-rounder smashed a breathtaking century off just 47 balls, ensuring the team broke new ground. The combined effort of the top three propelled Australia to a colossal total of 431 for two in their 50 overs, their second-highest score ever in ODI cricket.
This remarkable feat marks only the fifth time in the history of men's ODI cricket that a team has had three centurions in a single innings. Australia now joins an exclusive club that includes South Africa (who have achieved it three times) and England (once), underscoring the rarity and significance of the accomplishment.
Despite the record-breaking performance and the comprehensive victory, the result served as a consolation for the home side. South Africa had already secured the series by winning the first two matches, meaning Sunday's third and final ODI was a dead rubber. Nevertheless, the historic batting display provided a resounding finish to the series for the world champions.