It's been a brilliant competitive summer and it continues with the return tour between South Africa and Australia, but this time on the Protea's home soil.South Africa won the last series 2-1 and also dominated in the ODI series winning 4-1 and will be full of confidence. While Australia have struggled in the One Dayers against both New Zealand and South Africa.
Lead Up
South Africa are unnoficially the best team in the world, and will be favourites to take the official mantle of number 1 in this series. They have had some time to rest after the one day series in Australia so they will be full for energy.
Ricky Ponting has come over to South Africa confident that they can regain the trophy. But South African have begun their mind games with Mark Boucher saying that he has enjoyed the demise of Australia, while AB De Villiers has said that Australia will have a torrid time when they bat in the first test.
Australia's warm up game was a draw, with some good signs and bad. The fast bowlers were thumped around the ground in the first innings, while 3 of Australia's players were off the field with gastro. Meaning that some of the coaching staff had to be sub fielders. But among the good signs were Phil Hughes, Marcus North and Simon Katich were among the promising players.
Phil Hughes was solid in the first innings making 24 before making a half century in the century where he then retired to let others have a bat. Marcus North made unbeaten 50s in both innings as well as taking a 6/69 in the 2nd innings of the PXI. He backed up WA coach Tom Moody's claim that he can be used as an all rounder in the team. Simon Katich also made 124 before retiring hurt with a bruised elbow. Spinner Bryce McGain was disappointing, going for over 6 runs an over. He was unable to bowl in the 2nd innings due to him suffering from gastro.
Mitchell Johnson will spearhead the attack with Brett Lee and Stuart Clark still injured. If you don't include Johnson, the likely attack of Bollinger, Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle have a total 5 test matches between them. Which shows a lack of experience for the Australians.
Key Players
South Africa
Graeme Smith
The Skipper was superb against the Aussies, with brilliant decision making out on the field and made a ton of runs. Won the man of the series award despite a niggling elbow injury throughout the tour. Was applauded by many around the world for batting with the elbow injury and a broken finger in the final test. Who knows what he can do if he is fully fit.
JP Duminy
Duminy had an brilliant summer in Australia. He made his mark on the world with a superb 166 in the Boxing Day Test fightback. Not only has he been in the runs, he's also bowled well as a part timer and been brilliant in the field. The Aussies will be looking to try and stop him in this series.
Dale Steyn
Bowled very well, 18 wickets in the test series including a 10 wicket hall at the MCG. Went into the Australian tour with doubts that he could do well against the best, but left as a superstar. He shocked the batsmen and bowled very accurately. He showed that he is a handy batsman as well. He will be dangerous in the bowler friendly conditions at the Wanderers. The openerers will need to be weary.
Australia
Ricky Ponting
He has a knack of scoring a hundred at the start of a series. The skipper will be looking to lead from the front when he bats either on day one or two in the first test. Made 101 and 99 in the Boxing Day test last year and if he makes a big one, it will he a long way towards giving Australia the edge for a victory. But of course, he will need help from the other batsmen. He can't do it on his own.
Phillip Hughes
Earmarked has a future star, the 20 year old has torn up the domestic competition this summer. He batted well in the tour match and everyone will be excited for him when he gets his baggy green cap. He will very nervous when he goes out to bat for the first time, but with confidence as high as his, he can do anything.
Mitchell Johnson
The fast bowler struggled early on in his career for Australia, but finally showed everyone what he can do with such a wonderful summer. Seems to have the ability to get batsmen to go fishing at his wide deliveries. He can bowl ordinary spells, but then all of the sudden will bowl a pearler to get rid of the batsman. Surprisingly he will be the spearhead of the attack with Brett Lee and Stuart Clark out.
The Verdict
Both teams will come out firing. One to regain their credibility as an aggressive, strong team. While the other will be looking to gain the number 1 status. Australia could field 3 debutants in the team, showing a lack of experience on their part. My tip is South Africa to win in another competitive game.
South Africa by 4-6 Wickets/50-100 runs.
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