Vernon Philander looks ahead to what could be a decisive fourth ODI between South Africa and Australia at SuperSport Park on Friday.
Vernon Philander
“I feel South Africa is striking form at the right time, especially with bat in hand. A couple of key guys to look out for could be at the top of the order, Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma both being in red hot form.
“Then of course the local boys, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen. I do feel they will play a massive role in setting up the game for South Africa with bat in hand.
“We could see a welcome return for KG Rabada, as well as Lungi Ngidi, South Africa of course having their struggles with that new ball. It’s a potent [Australian] opening partnership of Travis Head and David Warner, so they’ll want to remove those two batters as quickly as possibly.
“There’s a big question mark over that middle-order for Australia so if South Africa can strike early they will give themselves the upper hand.
“But what has been impressive has been to see the spin twins, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. I do believe they will play a massive role in holding the middle-order together and perhaps picking up a couple of wickets to put South Africa further in the lead.
“I think South Africa is going to go 2-all, and we’re going to have a cracker of a final ODI come Sunday at the Wanderers.”
