The Australian summer is set to start with South Africa raring to make a mark Down Under. The first test match starts tomorrow in Brisbane with plenty of hype around the series already gripping both sides.
South Africa are the No. 1 test team - a feat they achieved after trouncing England in England earlier this year. Australia, on the other hand, slipped in recent years but have recovered well on their way back to the top. A series-win for the hosts will take them to the top though they have not played a test match since April.
South Africa take the field on Friday at the Gabba for the first time since 1963. Though unsure of the pitch, their starting lineup looks very much settled under the captaincy of Graeme Smith.
Hashim Amla will be critical after being the team’s backbone in England. Jacques Kallis is, in all likelihood, playing his last test series in Australia and would want to do better than he has on his previous tours.
The team is likely to resist playing four fast bowlers and that would mean Imran Tahir gets another game despite not a proud record.
Australia’s return to test match action has been surrounded by plenty of uncertainty. Several injuries have dented the squad already with no Shane Watson available. Ed Cowan will open the innings and that puts even greater responsibility on David Warner. Rob Quiney will make his debut and bat at number three.
Amongst the bowlers, the team management is still undecided over playing four pacers or including Nathan Lyon at the expense of Mitchell Starc or Ben Hilfenhaus.
There have been reports of Australian team having detailed documents of plans to upstage South Africa though skipper Michael Clarke was quick to rubbish the claims reported in the Australian press.
The match starts at 10.00am local time.