AUS vs SA 1st Test: Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

After the infamous ‘Sandpapergate’ saga that shook the cricketing world in 2018, the Aussies are once again ready to challenge South Africa in a three-match Test series starting December 17 at The Gabba, Brisbane. After a tremendous series win against the West Indies, the mighty Australians will eye to solidify their place at the top of the World Test Championship points table while the South Africans will look forward to dethrone them and scale further on the same.

Despite a lot of positives in recent times, the Kangaroos will be worried about David Warner’s dry spell at the moment. The southpaw scored only 102 runs from his last four innings and thus, needs to get back in form as the Australian summer waits for another Warner masterclass. However, the 36-year-old’s form hasn't hampered the Australians much at the moment as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are scoring runs for fun.

The same can’t be said for the Proteas. Under the leadership of Dean Elgar, they were bowled out for under 200 in their last four Test innings and have scored 300-plus scores only five times in last 17 innings. Despite that, the team is currently placed second in the points table and courtesy of their impeccable fast bowling. The trio of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi breathed fire in the last few matches and in Gabba, fans can always expect for a stupendous show.

Pitch and conditions

Gabba is a paradise for fast bowlers. Both sides have some quality pacers in their ranks and thus, a feisty contest in very much on the cards. For batters, it is not going to be an easy task in the next five days as anything above 300 can be considered to be a good score in the first innings. Needless to say, batting first is of course the ideal thing to do.

Predicted Playing XI

Australia

The hosts have already announced their playing XI and as expected, Josh Hazlewood will be missing the first Test. The 31-year-old is still recovering from soreness and Scott Boland will be featuring instead of him. Also, skipper Pat Cummins will be making his return to the squad after missing the second Test against Windies.

Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitch Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon

South Africa

The Proteas will be gunning to taste the victory for the fourth consecutive time in Australia. They are likely to announce bowling heavy for the first Test at Gabba.

Predicted Playing XI: Dean Elgar (C), Sarel Erwee, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje 

AUS vs SA Head to Head

Played - 98 | Australia - 52 | South Africa - 26 | Draw – 20

AUS vs SA Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 5:50 AM IST

Live Streaming – Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV app