Australia, SA face
INTENSE RIVALRY
NEW DELHI: Sparks could fly during the Test series between Australia and South Africa starting in Perth on Thursday. Heated exchanges between players could make the ICC match referee work overtime during the mouth-watering contest.
Not so long ago, a series between Australia and South Africa was akin to a heavyweight bout. Both sides were on top of the world for the brand of cricket they played. When they last met in 2014, Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson bowled the Aussies to a series win in Cape Town.
This is the post JohnsonHarris era and South Africa, in a rebuilding phase, have returned to their happy hunting ground.
SPECIAL DOUBLE
Fast bowler Dale Steyn is one of four players in the current squad who was part of the ‘double’ against Australia --- away series wins in 2008 and 2012. Hashim Amla, JP Duminy and Morne Morkel are the others.
Steyn says it’s ‘exciting’ to be back at a fortress that holds fond memories for the team. “Eight years ago we won here, a couple of years ago we won here again,” he said of the 2008 and 2012 successes in Perth.
“It’s nice to come here with that feeling that you have done well here before, regardless of the pitch, whether it will be flying through or hitting the ankles, it doesn’t really matter.
“To walk into a venue where you feel comfortable is always exciting, so we are really looking forward to it.”
Steyn says they won’t be underestimating Australia following their 0-3 loss to Sri Lanka and the Proteas’ 5-0 ODI series whitewash last month, and expects a competitive battle played in the right spirit.
VOLATILE SERIES
Steyn’s probable new-ball partner Vernon Philander is promising no niceties during the series and feels it could be a volatile series and could “get a bit nasty.”
“There are going to be times when we’ve got to step it up and get a bit nasty,” Philander said at the WACA ground.
“There’s going to be a time when a partnership will develop and it will require one or two bowlers to put up their hands and get a bit ugly, make things a bit uncomfortable. But it’s all part of the game.
“That definitely tests your character and that’s obviously a part of Test cricket, to get out there and win that moment for your team. So, it’s going to be DALE STEYN, on venue
fun.”
On Thursday, South Africa will look to rebuild towards the legacy they once held away from home. Their nine-year undefeated run away from home, the longest by any team, ended with the 3-0 loss to India last year.
They have earmarked this series as the start of a journey towards reclaiming the status. VERNON PHILANDER, on rivalry Australia Won Venue In Australia In South Africa In England Last series in SA Last series in Aus Tests Aus 38 50 3 3 3 20 28 2 2 - 5 2 SA 8 13 - South Africa Won 1 2 Lost Drawn 3 5 Drawn 10 9 1 - 1 2 3 Drawn
Seamer Peter Siddle will return to bolster an Australian side keen to halt a losing streak in the first Test against South Africa starting on Thursday. Captain Steve Smith confirmed his XI for the home season opener at the WACA in Perth, with Siddle preferred to the uncapped Joe Mennie. Siddle joins the pace attack spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, also recovering from a badly gashed leg, and Josh Hazlewood.
It’s nice to come here (WACA) with that feeling that you have done well here before, regardless of the pitch, whether it will be flying through or hitting the ankles, it doesn’t really matter... We are really looking forward to it.. There’s going to be a time when a partnership will develop and it will require one or two bowlers to put up their hands and get a bit ugly, make things a bit uncomfortable. But it’s all part of the game... It’s going to be fun. SOUTH AFRICA WILL LOOK TO REBUILD TOWARDS THE LEGACY THEY ONCE HELD AWAY FROM HOME. THEIR UNBEATEN NINE-YEAR RUN AWAY FROM HOME ENDED LAST YEAR,