AUS v SA, 1st Test Preview: Australia looking to get back into the reckoning

While this tour is certainly expected to be one of the most watched tours, the elusive factor will occur as Australia and their skipper Steve Smith will look to get back into the reckoning of Test match cricket. This will be their first engagement in the longest format of the game since their whitewash at the hands of the Sri Lankans earlier last month.

As for the South Africans, they will be on a high especially following their recent 5-0 drubbing of their opponents on the day. However, in spite of this, they will be looking to make their chance count in enemy territory. Moreover, they will be hoping to make it count without some of their top players in the side, something that will make the win even sweeter.

That said, as we all eagerly await the start of the encounter, a mouthwatering match is most definitely on the cards as these two exciting sides start to take on each other in Perth.

Team Analysis

Australia

The last time the Aussies played a Test match, they were routed by some spin by Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera. They were left embarrassed, red-faced, and humiliated by their Sri Lankan counterparts. Moreover, the fact of the matter remained that they also surrendered the world number one ranking on the tour and slumped to fifth place.

However, this time around, the Australians are playing in their own backyard. While this will certainly add to their advantage, the fact that some of their most important players are back into the fold will certainly be a shot in the arm as far as the hosts are concerned. Moreover, the conditions at Perth add to the grit of the encounter, something one and all will be looking for.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood will be making their way back into the side following the ODI series in South Africa. In addition, Peter Siddle, who suffered a stress fracture earlier last year will also be eager to make his way back into the side after a long injury layoff. Usman Khawaja is a surprising inclusion in the squad despite the lovely innings from the southpaw in the Matador Cup.

South Africa

Under Faf du Plessis, the Proteas have a decent record in Test matches. Of course, the 32-year old has been in charge of just the handful of Test matches but it is a slight reflection on his leadership skills. However, in spite of this, the Proteas are missing AB de Villiers, the hero of many an encounter against Australia over the years.

The team selection for the Proteas will be an interesting one. With Imran Tahir not a part of the touring party, it would seem as though the bowling attack is significantly weakened. This means that Keshav Maharaj, the 26-year old inclusion in the squad from the Dolphins will be expected to make his start in the international cricketing arena.

The Proteas also face a conundrum when it comes to their pace bowling unit as well. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel are expected to start in the XI with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Abbott, and Vernon Philander set to battle for a place. Dean Elgar is expected to play ahead of Rilee Rossouw with Stephen Cook expected to take his place in the opening slot alongside Quinton de Kock.

Playing XI (Probable)

Australia: Steve Smith (C), Peter Nevill (WK), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Adam Voges, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazelwood, Nathan Lyon

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Stephen Cook, Temba Bavuma, Rilee Rossouw/Dean Elgar, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi/Keshav Maharaj

StAttack:

1. The WACA ground at Perth is a happy hunting ground for the Proteas. They have clinched 2 wins from the three matches they have played at this venue.

2. Of the last seven matches played at Perth, the Aussies have won 4. One match against New Zealand ended in a draw and two defeats against South Africa came in these matches.

3. Hashim Amla is the third highest when it comes to the most number of 100’s by a South African. He requires 2 more tons to get ahead of former South African skipper Graeme Smith. Jacques Kallis is at the top with 45 tons to his name.

4. Dale Steyn requires 6 wickets to become South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in Test matches. He is currently on 416 Test wickets. Shaun Pollock, the former South African skipper is on 421.

5. Quinton de Kock requires 11 dismissals to complete 50 Test match dismissals.