South Africa are back in town for a three-test series which is set to kick off in Brisbane on Saturday.
Australia may have put the West Indies to the sword in their most recent red ball fixtures, but this series is shaping up to be far more competitive.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the contest with his free preview and cricket betting tips below.
Australia vs South Africa 1st Test Preview & Betting Tips
GABBA, Brisbane, Saturday December 17th, 11:20am (AEDT)
Squads
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Lance Morris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Michael Neser
South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo
Match Preview
I’m expecting plenty of fire in this test series, as two world-class pace attacks square up on Australia’s seam-friendly pitches.
The hosts will be full of confidence after dispatching the West Indies 2-0 in emphatic fashion, led by star batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. The pair scored 502 and 255 runs, respectively, while Travis Head also belted 312 runs as the home side ran riot.
With the ball, spinner Nathan Lyon did the bulk of the damage, taking 11 wickets at 21. Australia were forced to rotate the quicks due to injury, but all were impressive.
Heading into the Brisbane test, Australia sit pretty at the top of the World Test Championship, a ranking that nobody can argue given their form in this format. However, South Africa will be no pushover - the visitors sit right behind Australia in the WTC standings.
South Africa have won six tests and lost four in the WTC period, most recently going down 2-1 to England away from home. As such, this series is crucial for the South Africans to maintain their standing. Fortunately, Australia a happy hunting ground for the visitors, who enjoy our local conditions.
Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen will fancy their chances against Australia’s in-form batting group, particularly as the likes of Steve Smith have struggled against them in the past.
However, South Africa’s batting leaves plenty to be desired. Dean Elgar brings experience at the top of the order, but his side was dismissed for less than 200 four times in the series against England. That won’t cut it against Australia. For that reason, I expect Australia to win in a low-scoring affair.
Prop Bets
Warner will go down as one of the great Australian openers, but there is no doubt that he in a form slump at the moment. The hard-hitting left-hander could only muster 102 runs at an average of 25 against the West Indies and he will be facing far better bowling in this series. As such, a 35-run line seems a bit high.
David Warner Under 35.5 1st Innings Runs $1.83 (Ladbrokes)
Verreyne is one of the many South African batsmen who have struggled lately. The wicketkeeper failed to top this line in any of his five innings during the England series, and against an equally skilled Australian bowling unit it’s hard to see him faring much better.
Kyle Verreyne Under 22.5 1st Innings Runs – $1.83 (Ladbrokes)
