South Africa seek batting revival (Preview)

Post world cup debacle, Australia, under new skipper Michael Clarke, are looking a unit hungry for victories. Clarke’s brief tenure at the helm of affairs has seen his side win an ODI series against and Bangladesh followed by pocketing ODI and test series in Sri Lanka.

They have started the tour to South Africa confidently. After drawing level two match Twenty series, the tourists got off to a resounding start to five match ODI series. It beat the hosts comprehensively in the rain affected game.

The key to Australian success can well be attributed to the way the senior guys have responded to Clarke’s leadership. His predecessor Ricky Ponting is contributing in the bat and his ideas as well, Michael Hussey has been a revelation and Shan Watson has continued his good run of form either department. Australia have found some young fast bowlers who are bound to make headline through their performances in the future. None has been as impressive as 18-year old Pat Cummins getting wickets in bundles in all three limited overs fixture the paceman has featured on the tour.

For Australia, everything seems to go according to the plan. Batsmen are contributing big time and bowlers have found way to rattle South African batting. Mitchell Johnson amongst the wickets is a welcome development, left arm spinner Xavier Doherty not only picked up wickets but was hard to be scored off in the first ODI and Doug Bollinger has made new ball count by snaring wickets upfront.

The tourists would hope Shane Watson-who missed the first ODI due to a niggle- recovers before second game. Ponting opened in Watson’s absence and batted with his typical flourish to lay solid platform for Hussey’ blitz in the end overs. Clarke too impressed with the bat and looks keen to lead from the front. Opener David Warner’s

Their opponents South Africa have plenty to ponder about. The most notable being their top order who are looking rusty. Former skipper Graeme Smith and current skipper Hashim Amla are yet to find their best touch and Jacques Kallis couldn’t kick on after getting a start. Middle order, in AB de Villiers’ absence, has looked shaky and has failed to contribute much.

Bowling has looked okay but lacked penetration that we normally associate with South African attack. Dale Steyn needs to fire with the ball and the likes of Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe need to support him. The home team needs to play leg spinner Imran Tahir for his variations can bring wickets in the middle overs.For South Africa, it is case of getting their combination right and play to their strengths. And, hope their batting lineup plays to their potential and occupy crease for a longer time.

For Aussies to keep winning momentum going, weathering early storm from Steyn and co. will be key for a big score. And, then their meaningful bowling lineup could well be difference between the two sides.

South Africa Squad: Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, Imran Tahir, Jean Paul Dumminy, Faf de Plessis, Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Australia Squad: Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron White.