Preview for Australia vs South Africa

Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana

Date: June 7, 2016

 Time: 10:30 P.M(IST)

 

A few months back, both Australia and South Africa were vying for the World T20 title, they had the resources, they had the guile, but they didn’t have that killer instinct to make it big on the day. Despite possessing some of the World’s biggest superstars, both these teams were sent packing in the knockout stages of the tournament itself.

Dreams were shattered, strategies were questioned and the players looked for some sort of mini revival, and this is where the IPL came to their rescue, where the players could take their minds off the World T20 debacle and could get another chance of competing amongst and against the world’s best.

Out of all the players who were competing in the IPL from these two teams, David Warner and ABD made the best use of the IPL by performing well in almost all the games. Quinton De Kock was instrumental in making a case for the Daredevils in the race for the playoffs and Hashim Amla uplifted the spirits of the Punjab camp, when he scored a blistering 98 on his late arrival to their campaign. Steve Smith too set the stage on fire with his classy 100 early on in the season, but his injury cut short his IPL stint.

None of the other players from both these sides made any real contribution in the IPL as well and would be itching to prove their worth and skill in this mouth watering tri series.

Also read: http://sabkhelhai.com/review-west-indies-vs-south-africa-west-indies-vs-australia/

South Africa have started this post IPL season with a regretful performance against the Windies and would be raring to turn it around against a well settled Australian side.

The Proteas just couldn’t string a good enough performance as none of the players except maybe Roussow looked comfortable enough in the middle. Tahir and Phangiso bowled with a lot of guile but in the end they were left with too much to do.

The Australians on the other hand strode to victory against the hosts by spinning a web around the Windies batsmen. Zampa and Lyon controlled proceedings for the entirety of the Windies innings and then Warner capped it off with a brilliant 51.

As seen in the previous two games, spinners are bound to play a big, big role in today’s encounter and more than how the spinners fare, it is going to be more about how the batsmen are going to tackle the spinning ball.

In the Australian side, Smith and Warner are good players of spin and their battle with Tahir and Phangiso would determine the nature of the Australian batting innings.

If somehow Smith is dismissed for a below par score, South Africa can dig a deep hole in the Australian middle order.

For the South African’s, it all depends on what kind of a start can the openers provide and then how well can ABD take on Zampa and Lyon in the middle overs.

As a bowling combination, Tahir and Phangisio have operated for quite some time together and thus are aware of each others strengths, Zampa and Lyon form a new and exciting bowling pair. And though Tahir and Phangisio have a little more experience, Lyon and Zampa are a little ahead when it comes to pure skill.

But then when you see the flip side of it, a middle order comprising of Faf Du Plesis, ABD and JP Duminy is a little more adept at playing quality spin bowling than one that comprises of Smith, Maxwell and Marsh.

Now, the one thing that probably tilts it in Australia’s favour is the return of Mitch Starc. He bowled a fiery spell against the Windies a couple of days back and registered two wickets in the process. If he can start proceedings on a high for the Australians by sending the South African openers packing, the contest could end quite early tonight.

All this makes for an intriguing contest between two heavy weights of the world, both of whom are exploring new avenues, especially with their bowling unit, in order to win this tri series.

Team Changes

Australia seem to be a settled unit and barring Maxwell’s no show, almost everyone contributed to the win the last time round. But with Maxi’s all round ability, I don’t think they’ll consider dropping him at this point

South African’s would want to draft Faf Du Plesis into their middle order as soon as possible. With a call regarding his fitness to be taken just before the game, we’ll have to wait if he gets the nod. If he is deemed fit, Farhaan Behardien could make way, as Rilee Roussow really impressed everyone with his application and grit in trying conditions

Do tune into the game, it’s going to be a cracker.