South Africa v Australia 1st T20I Preview: Both sides aim for launch pad

South Africa will take on the mighty Australians in what is expected to be a prelude to the ICC World T20 2016. The first of the T20Is will be played on Friday, the 4th of March at Durban. The Proteas welcome back Dale Steyn following the latter’s lengthy absence from the side. Aaron Phangiso’s action that had been deemed illegal means that South Africa is entitled to name another player in his place.

Pitch conditions

The Durban wicket has been known to carry an abundance of pace and bounce. However, despite the history of the venue, the match will be a crucial launching pad for both sides. Reports suggest that the wicket has been prepared in accordance with Indian conditions and is therefore expected to be dry. Should this be believed, the Proteas bowling attack will revolve around Imran Tahir. The leg-spinner is coming off an impressive series win against England at home. For Australia, Adam Zampa will be key should the Aussies get their wreched T20I form back to optimum level. Ashton Agar will also be expected to feature in considerable proportion.

Team News & Analysis

South Africa

The Proteas will be looking for an extended run of impressive form. A series turnaround in the ODIs and the whitewash in the subsequent T20I series means that the confidence in the South Africa camp is high. AB de Villiers too will be a key component along with all-rounder David Weise. The biggest news in the Proteas camp will be the arrival of Dale Steyn. He will be expected to replace Kyle Abbott in the starting XI. David Miller, Rilee Russouw and JP Duminy will fill the rest of the side.

Australia

Injuries to their front line bowling, the announcement of the departures of Mike Di Venuto and Craig McDermott has concluded a rough week for the Australians. To make matters worse, James Pattinson pulled up against the Kiwis in the second Test with a side strain niggle. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Andrew Tye have made their way into the squad following these injuries. Steve Smith, however, will be banking on the confidence in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. The return of Aaron Finch will be an added bonus for the Aussies.

Playing XI (Probable)

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (C), AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Chris Morris

Australia: Steve Smith (C), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, James Faulkner, Peter Neville (wk), Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Josh Hazelwood

Stat Attack

1. Australia is ahead in the head to head with 9 wins out of 15 T20Is played.

2. South Africa and Australia have met just once at Durban on the 12^th of March 2014. The Aussies claimed a 5 wicket win.

3. David Warner requires 35 runs to reach 1500 runs in T20Is while Shane Watson requires 8 wickets to complete 50 wickets.

4. Morne Morkel requires 5 wickets to complete 50 wickets for South Africa in T20Is. AB de Villiers needs 12 sixes to complete 50 sixes in T20Is.