HomeAustralia in South AfricaLeadership-less Australia take on confident South Africa

Leadership-less Australia take on confident South Africa

- Advertisement -

The math and its equation thereof, between Australia and South Africa seems relatively simple and quite translucent. With its fragility and current volatility, Australians seem weaklings; susceptible to collapse under pressure. At the same time, South Africa, with their settled and focused squad look destined to make crucial inroads at the Johannesburg Test. That said, here’s what seems more likely to pan out.

Momentum with South Africa

South Africa would be looking to devour the tourists who’ve clearly struggled with this sojourn of their Protean safari, while Australia would be wanting to fight fire with fire and perhaps scamper home with a surprise draw. As it is, their chances of a win seem despicably thin, if not impossible. We could have perhaps the most arresting five days of cricketing battle ahead of us all summer. But in possessing what clearly seems underwhelming assault machinery, the pressure, you ought to say is on Australia ahead of the 5-day decider. And by some telling margin, it ought to be highlighted. But, Test cricket fans, in particular, would be sure to anticipate a breathtaking encore at the Johannesburg Test. Therefore, the five grinding days of Test cricket that lay in front of us could well be a quintessential battle the Aussies and Proteas that represents not only a fight between pride and prodigious talent but also one between inexperience battling home advantage, respectively.

- Advertisement -

The ground beneath Australia’s feet is shrinking

But that said, with not one but three key absences in the deciding Johannesburg Test, Australia would feel they are up against a mountain called South Africa. In more ways than one does the Johannesburg Test match offer a litmus test in gauging whether Australia have the mettle to compete with a relatively inexperienced bunch heading into a feisty battle. And also whether they have it in them to fight for the pride of Australia.
Lest it be forgotten, that they take the battlefield at a time where not just the fans but perhaps a globetrotting spread of cricketing community are identifying in this legendary institution of cricket, a diabolical evil. How else would you term the recent outcome of events that transpired at Cape Town but eventually shook world cricket?

Proteas chasing 1st series win at home since 1970 vs. Australia

But what lies at the heart of the fourth and final Johannesburg Test is a great chance for South Africa to inflict terrible wounds on an already embattled cricketing outfit. If there is a chance for South Africa to seal their first home series win against the Aussies, since 1970, then it’s now. Having to face Starc and Hazlewood would seem like the only onerous challenge that the likes of AB, Elgar, Markram and de Kock have to contend with. If Amla, who hasn’t had the best turnarounds so far comes to the fore, then it could be heavy drubbing lying ahead for the Aussies.
Therefore, it could be said, the Proteas have pretty much everything that Australia currently lacks. Match-winners, team balance and, batsmen in form.
On the other hand, Australia’s challenge remains not only to measure if Joe Burns, Matt Renshaw can lay an able foundation for the likes of Marsh brothers to score of but also whether Tim Paine can handle his side well?
The rather extraordinary elevation of Tim Paine to Test captaincy comes across as anything but a dainty surprise. For it was just last year that the Tasmanian wicket-keeping batsman found himself out of the domestic side and was considering whether quitting Test cricket altogether. Today he’s leading a side whose most promising batsmen are also it’s most inconsistent names. Mitch and Shaun Marsh.

South Africa will want to win for Morne

All that said, the Proteas would be desperate for a win and one could expect them coming hard at Australia, firing all cylinders. The most potent force in the pace attack will be their gentle giant, Morne Morkel, who would look to add to his incredible Test tally of 306 wickets. But in his swansong Test, giving him company would be an in-form Rabada and Philander, both of whom have been among wickets, having struck 20 and 7 wickets respectively.
Should South Africa win, they will go on to strike noteworthy achievements in copious record books? Should Australia win or salvage a draw, they will offer a healing balm to what has been their most wanting, painful period in international cricket ever.
Probable Playing 11:
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis(C), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock(WK), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel
Australia: Joe Burns, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine(C/WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon,

- Advertisement -
Dev Tyagi
Dev Tyagi
Dravid believer, admirer of - the square drive, Drew Barrymore, Germany, Finland, Electric Mobility, simplicity and the power of the written word! Absolutely admire contributing to KyroSports

15 Highly Educated Cricketers Of All Time

Cricket is a game of passion and dedication. A sport in which one involves themselves in camps and practice since early childhood. Due to...

Do we often under-appreciate Andy Flower? What’s his legacy?

There's a hint of sadness in noting that Zimbabwe has never been a dominant power in world cricket. But nothing could be sadder than...

Why are more and more MotoGP riders using the Noson nasal dilator?

Introduction MotoGP riders or athletes are physically fit and healthy individuals and their muscles are continuously functioning and used during the performance. As a fan...

How Come UFC Fighters Have Cauliflower Ears But Boxers Don’t?

The UFC has come a long way since its early days, wherein the fights seemed like modern-day gladiators due to its brutality and inconsistent...

5 spinners who can be India’s potential finger-spinners

The Indian cricket team has always been proud of its ability to produce world-class batsmen and similarly potent spinners. Though in recent times, the...

IPL 2018: The beautiful Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Being seated in the Sawai Mansingh stadium brings a different world, a world of difference away from the palpable excitement of watching truly India’s...

The astonishing decline of Mario Balotelli

There was a time when Mario Balotelli was on top of the world.  The Italian talisman had scored two goals in the Euro 2012 semi-finals,...

Top 5 Left Wingers In The World, Based On 2019-20 Season

Owing to the fact that football has evolved a lot since its inception and the tactics have changed a lot, the role of wingers...

What can be expected from the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

Heat in the air and heat inside the car- that's been the story of the Azerbaijan Grand prix. As F1 parks itself at Baku...

How Suresh Raina Batted India Into The Finals of 2011 World Cup

Its been 9 years, since India won the Cricket World Cup defeating Sri Lanka on 2 April, 2011. The images and visuals of...

IPL 2018: The best from the West Indies

When one of nature's treacherous attacks on mankind- earthquakes- strike, their impact is measured on Richter's scale. When West Indians strike in a tournament...

Big change for India Women’s cricket as BCCI looks to finalise bowling coach soon

We are not even at the halfway stage of the 2018 cricketing season. It clearly seems there's no stopping India's women's cricket team. The...

Age Fraud in Indian Cricket: Are players really to be blamed?

There have been times while watching a cricket match when we tend to hear commentators comment on cricketers’ age. We as fans have many...

Ajax XI if they didn’t sell their star players

Based in Amsterdam, AFC Ajax, who incidentally draw their name from the legendary Greek hero of the same name, are the most successful club...

5 famous players to play for both Leeds United and Liverpool

Leeds United are back in the Premier League after 16 years and will play Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday in their very first match...

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -