Australia and South Africa renew one of the most intense rivalries in Test cricket on Saturday 17 December at the Gabba. James Richardson previews.
Australia vs South Africa | First Test | 17 – 21 December | The Gabba
To Win Match
Australia 9/20 | Draw 5/1 | South Africa 33/10
With the ghosts of sandpaper past conjured by David Warner it is unclear what the team environment will be like for Australia but we can expect another war between these two sides.
Steve Smith will be out to improve his average record against South Africa in this series and will be among the key players.
Another key batter will be Marnus Labuschagne who enters this Test in outrageous form.
Nathan Lyon hasn’t played as many Tests as he might like in Brisbane but these days Australia are reluctant to leave him out of any XI.
Dean Elgar needs to turn things around for this team after a period of inaction.
Elgar was among those to get good runs in the warm-up match alongside Kyle Verreynne, Rassie van der Dussen and Theunis De Bruyn.
Simon Harmer didn’t get a lot of overs in the warm-up match but the Proteas should be wary of leaving him out.
The pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi are world-class and could win this series for South Africa.
Verdict: Australia 9/20
Australia hold the edge at home. Smith and Labushgane hold the key for the hosts. If they fire – and there’s no reason to believe they won’t – Australia should get over the line.
