Colossal battle between the rivals begins - Preview

The rivalry and quality of cricket these two teams bring to the league was enough to convince to have five-match series. But, for whatever the reason, the contest between two of the world’s best test teams-Australia and South Africa-has been shortened to just two matches. The two-match series hasn’t gone well with many a cricket pundits and fans from both sides.

Yet, one should expect both teams to thrill the audience to hilt with their brand of test cricket. The fixtures can well be dubbed as most compelling for world attention in the ICC’s calendar.

The colossal battle starts with both the sides having their own agenda. For South Africa, the pursuit to dethrone England from the top spot in the rankings could well be realized if they go past Australia this series. Their opponents Australia want to climb their way back into top three after having a satisfying 1-0 series against Sri Lanka post Ricky Ponting captaincy era.

Having relegated to number four thanks to Ashes defeat early this year, Australia-under new skipper Michael Clarke-have got a good mixture of experience and young talent. And, Australia found some reliable youngsters during tour to Sri Lanka. Shaun Marsh got his test career off to a terrific start prompting management to demote Ricky Ponting to number four in order to accommodate the left hander. The skipper, ever reliable Michael Hussey and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin complete the Aussie middle order.The series might well decide Ponting’s future for the former skipper hasn’t scored a ton longer format since early 2009.

Shane Watson will be accompanied by Philip Hughes as opening partner. The left handed Hughes is back to the country where he announced himself at international stage with two sparkling centuries. Since then, he hasn’t had a good numbers except for his hundred in the final test in Sri Lanka. South African strong pace attack has given the signal that Hughes will be barraged with short pitch stuff: so a riveting battle all along.

Ryan Harris and experienced Mitchell Johnson are certainties in fast bowling unit and young sensation Patrick Cummins and impressive in his debut series Trent Copeland will be fighting for the third spot. Having McGratheseque look about him, Copeland might edge past Cummins. Nathan Lyon is expected to be the lead spinner on a Newlands pitch expected to be spin-friendly in the latter stages of the game.

The hosts are contemplating to go in with two spinners. Pakistan born and much talked about leg spinner Imran Tahir is all set to make debut in the longer format of the game after plying his trade for countless first class teams across the globe. South Africa’s numero uno spinner till Tahir’s emergence Paul Harris will be second spinner in case the team management decides to go with the both.

World’s best fast bowler Dale Steyn and his new ball opening partner Morne Morkel form the most fearsome bowling pair in world cricket. An exciting battle involving the duo and solid Aussie batting unit should be one of the major attractions of the series.

Having relinquished captaincy in the limited overs’ cricket, Graeme Smith will be back at the helm of affairs to extend his rivalry against Australia. Jacques Rudolph has worked his way back into the national after six years of wilderness thanks to his supreme run scoring in domestic cricket. He would be opening the innings, though.

The middle order should be an expected one. Run machine Hashim Amla, rock solid Jacques Kallis at four followed by vice-captain AB de Villiers should match Aussies player by player. JP Duminy will be fighting it out with another left hander Ashwell Prince to complete the middle order.Having strong fast bowling unit supported by x-factor Tahir, South Africa, at the home, should be favourites. But then, Aussies are known for their resilience and have ammunition to overpower the hosts.

South Africa squad: Graeme Smith (capt), AB de Villiers (vice-capt), 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, Ryan Harris, Phil Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle.