Can shocked Australia turn the tide? (Preview)

Before Newlands, there had been apprehensions that the two match series between Test cricket’s most exciting teams was too short to grab eyeballs. But, the epic encounter at Cape Town dispelled that notion as cricket loving fans world over enjoyed the thrill of three innings breaks on a single day. After a madcap second day when 23 wickets fell, South Africa coasted home due to twin centuries from Hashim Amla and skipper Graeme Smith as Australia crashed to one of their worst defeats in recent history.

So how do we rate the performances of the two sides, should South Africa receive all the praise despite being shot out for 96 in the first innings or Should Australia face all the condemnation despite stellar performances from their captain and vice captain. The better way of putting it would be that Australia faltered at a crucial juncture in the match and the home seamers cashed in like predators at the most precise moment.

The saying that each day has a new beginning should give Australia heart for they know they can approach the Johannesburg tie with renewed vigor after a five day break. Without a doubt they have the quality to mount a serious challenge for the Proteas, for that to happen Australia would need to keep the belief going.

The fact that Australia can still save face by restoring parity in the series with a win at Wanderers should be enough to lift the stunned side and with some champion players like Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Clarke among their ranks, the motivation of restoring some lost glory should power the team effort. That been said, some personnel changes are more than overdue. Mitchell Johnson has probably outlived his usefulness as they are in dire need of some inspirational stuff and young Patrick Cummins can do it for them. With Usman Khwaja likely to replace injured Shaun Marsh, Shane Watson should drop down the order so that he is able to deliver better results as a genuine all-rounder.

For South Africa who are on cloud nine, some flaws might simply get overlooked because of the euphoria that surrounded the victory at Newlands. If Australia are receiving all the flak for being dismissed for 47, the hosts too have some batting issues for 96 all-out is not what is expected from a top side. Fortunately for them, Amla and Smith hit form at the right time but others would also need to chip in to take the series 2-0.

In the bowling department, Vernon Philander was a revelation on Test debut while as another first timer Imran Tahir did not have much to do as fast bowlers ruled roost. The fact that Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were more than a handful gives South Africa an edge in the overall context.

To sum it up, Australia would be desperate to undo some of the damage while as South Africa would have a series victory on their minds.

South Africa Squad: Graeme Smith (c), AB de Villiers (vc), Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher (wk), JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Imran Tahir, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe

Australia Squad: Michael Clarke (c), Shane Watson (vc), Michael Beer, Trent Copeland, Patrick Cummins, Brad Haddin (wk), Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, David Warner, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle.