Chance for youngsters to prove their mettle (Preview)

Post world cup early this year, facing Australia in their own backyard will be South Africa’s first assignment. Lot has changed for the protease since their dismal show in the tournament. Former Indian coach Gary Kirsten has taken over as the head coach and AB de Villiers was handed over limited overs’ captaincy.

Australia too had a change of guard with long time skipper Ricky Ponting relinquishing his post for Micheal Clarke. With Tim Nielsen deciding to quit after recent Sri Lankan tour, Australia have been forced to appoint interim coach Troy Cooley for the high profile series.

As it stands, neither Clarke nor AB de Villiers will be in action in the twenty-20 series. While Clarke doesn’t play t-20 internationals anymore, de Villiers’ captaincy debut was delayed due to a finger injury in the champions league ruling him out of the limited overs’ leg of the tournament. That has meant prolific opener Hashim Amla given the reigns and his opposite number will be Cameron White under whose captaincy, Aussies lost both their t-20 games in Sri Lanka.

Not only two t-20 matches provide some tough competitive cricket before ODI and test series, it gives youngsters in either side platform to showcase their talent. Experienced pacer Bret Lee’s injury means White has very inexperienced fast bowling unit at his disposal. Not short of talent, though. All the spotlight will be on young pace sensation Pat Cummins, who, many believe, is the next big thing in the Australian cricket.

Batting looks heavily loaded with t-20 specialists. Not many opening pairs round the world can claim to be as destructive as Shane Watson and David Warner. The left handed Warner, in particular, to continue his terrific form that saw him emerge as the best batsman in the champions league. Shaun Marsh, David Hussey and White himself can pose threat to any opposition in the world.

Amla, as a batsman, has been a superstar in last couple of years. His conduct has been admired by all of his teammates. Now, it will be interesting to see how his teammates react to him being elevated to captaincy. With Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn rested, Amla will have to make both senior and junior men in the team to take the Aussie head on.

It will be Smith’s first game for his country without being a skipper. His experience should bring calming influence to the set up that has some fine young players. Colin Ingram and David Miller have been given chance to prove their mettle yet again. While Morne Morkel will be the leader of fast bowling unit, the home team have two quality spinners in Johan Botha and Robin Peterson. The duo’s role will be important to stem the run flow in the middle overs.

In a high profile fixture, both the teams will be keen to make a winning start. Despite star players missing, a riveting battle between the two rivals is on cards.

South Africa Squad: Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Jean Paul Duminy, Colin Ingram, Heino Kuhn, Richard Levi, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Lonwabo Tsotsobe , Rusty Theron

Australia Squad: Cameron White, Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, David Hussey, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Steve O’Keefe, James Pattinson, Steven Smith, Mathew Wade, David Warner