The biggest Test match of the summer is here, and Australia is the favourite against South Africa. But how exactly will the match pan out?
Australia vs. South Africa
26th December 10:30am
There’s a small sample size of form to read into here after one of the briefest Test matches in recent history but rest assured this one will last much longer.
Australia had South Africa firmly under control on the Gabba green top and will carry that edge into the biggest Test match of the Australian summer.
Batting-wise, the South Africans didn’t have much to write home about other than a 64 from Kyle Verreyne. Temba Bavuma may not have posted a big score, but he put a value on his wicket that many of his peers didn’t match. He will have an important role to play if the Australian bowling attack gets the early ascendancy.
What that bowling attack looks like remains to be seen, with Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood vying for the one spot. Boland has the recent form, but Hazlewood has the more extensive body of work. The Victorian crowd would love to see their hometown hero Boland replicate his sensational efforts at last year’s Boxing Day Test, but the selectors may go the conservative approach here.
Nathan Lyon wasn’t required to roll the arm over too many times in Brisbane but could play a more significant part in this. He has a good history at the MCG and is worth some value.
Travis Head is the in-form Australian batsman in all forms of the game and will be set for another big knock, while David Warner is under tremendous pressure to maintain his spot after a lean run. Could the atmosphere of a packed G set him back on course, or is he vulnerable to a South African bowling attack desperate to atone for the Gabba performance?
Kagiso Rabada will have Warner firmly in his sights, having claimed his wicket in both innings at the Gabba. With eight scalps for the match, Rabada was a handful for the Aussies and is one to watch here. Marco Jansen may also help tie up the Australians; with him and Rabada at either end, they could turn things around quickly.
It has been a while since Australia was genuinely challenged in a Test match, but history suggests South Africa won’t go down without a fight. They have had more success visiting Australian shores than most other teams in recent history and will rally here. An upset isn’t the most unlikely of outcomes.
Suggested Bet: South Africa to win at $5
