South Africa vs Australia : Test Series Preview

Here is the series lots of test purists are waiting for. South Africa will host the rampaging Aussies in a three test series starting from today. Here is a brief inside look into the two teams.

Australia : The visiting Australians cannot be higher on confidence. Riding on an Ashes whitewash at hime against England, the ageing Aussie unit looks confident. Under the reign of Darren Lehmann, the team looks like a proper unit, also, brimming with unity, which was absent under Mickey Arthur’s tenure.

The Australian bowling unit, personally, is one of the most dangerous in the world. Ryan Harris’ swing bowling, Peter Siddle’s consistent line and length and finally, Mitchell Johnson’s pace completes a perfect pace bowling package. Even Nathan Lyon, who is not famous for his off spinners, has played the second fiddle perfectly. Now with Shane Watson ruled out of first match, it will be interesting to see whether Clarke goes out with a full fledged batsman or Faulkner, who has showed that he is no dummy with the bat.

As far as batting is concerned, it looks fragile as compared to the bowling. Brad Haddin was instrumental in Australia’s ashes victory, and he has saved the Aussies’ blushes more than once through the series. This clearly indicates the fragile Aussie batting order. Smith and Clarke have looked good in patches, where as Warner’s coming back into form has been a definite positive sign. With Bailey flopping at No.6, there is chance for Philip Hughes to grab the chance with two hands. Old Horse Chris Rogers has been good throughout the Ashes summer, and would like to continue his good form to the Rainbow nation.

South Africa : The SA team is the best test team at present, hands down. Their bowling is good, their batting is good, and their fielding is good. There is no one field wherein they are weak.

The South African bowling unit is as good as the Australian one, if not better. With the pace of Steyn leading the ranks, Morkel’s nagging length and the extra bounce, along with some swing bowling skills from Philander makes this bowling unit a feared one. They trashed the visiting Indians with pace and bounce, and the visiting Australian batsmen will be definitely tested by them. Though they will miss the services of the 4th all-rounder in the form of Kallis, their pace battery has enough venom nevertheless. Their spin bowling has been their weakest link, but Robin Peterson and JP Duminy have been good in satisfying the spinner’s role.

The batting looks as solid as ever. The opening pair of Graeme Smith and Alviro Peterson have been quite consistent. Amla and De Villers are two tall pillers of the SA middle order. It will be interesting as to whether the baby-faced De Kock gets a look-in into the team, after an amazing ODI series against the Indians. Also, Duminy’s and Faf Du Plessis’ has ensured a re-enforcement of the lower middle order. Over that, Philander’s all-rounder abilities is definitely an asset. SA had a relatively easy time against the weaker bowling attack of India, but it will be good to see how they stand up against the famed Australian attack.

Verdict : Both the team looks strong enough to give a hectic time to the other. All eyes will be in the bowling of both the teams. Can Johnson and co outpace their SA counterparts? Can the SA batsman grind away the Aussie bowlers? We have to wait and watch what promises to be an exciting encounter between the world’s best!