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DIZZY: Australia's dominance is really no surprise

17th February, 2014
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High fives all round for Mitchell Johnson as he tore through the English line-up. (AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE)
Expert
17th February, 2014
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I was interviewed recently by a journalist of an Australian national newspaper. He spoke to me about this series versus South Africa being a massive test for this Australian side.

Was the series against England a ‘flash in the pan?’ How is the Australian batting order going to survive Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander?

Can Mitchell Johnson continue his great form? Who will bat three if Shane Watson is not fit?

There were lots of good questions yet I started our conversation with the words “I believe Australia will win and it will be a lot easier than people think.”

The journalist’s response was one of real surprise.

Why did I believe that? Well, there are a few reasons. A big one for me is the Jaques Kallis effect.

He has been a constant in the South African Test team since 1997. He brings a safe pair of hands, world class batting in the top order and aggressive fast medium bowling.

I believe his retirement has had a much bigger effect on the Test team that South Africa would like to admit.

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Would he have coped any better with the Australian attack than anyone else? We will never know.

However, it is not as if South Africa have a ready made replacement.

How do you replace someone who has scored over 10,000 runs in the top order and nearly 300 wickets bowling 85 mph?

Put simply, you don’t.

It will take time for South Africa to adjust to this reality and develop a new balance to their 11, much like England are going to find out post Graeme Swann.

Looking at South Africa’s bowling, Steyn is world class.

A brilliant bowler who Australia will continue to pay the utmost respect.

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Morkel is hot and cold. When he is on, he is brutal. He can get hit around a bit if he does not have his rhythm. He is very structured in how he likes to bowl, even the way he turns at the top of his mark.

Smart batsmen look to upset a bowler’s rhythm and I believe Australia did this well in the first Test.

Philander is a solid bowler yet needs conditions to suit to be effective.

Without swing or seam movement he can look pedestrian and I believe Australia will look to take him on as they will Robin Petersen and JP Duminy, the South African spin options.

The Australian attack, as I have mentioned in previous articles, is balanced. Well drilled and they bowl well together.

The key is Michael Clarke. His use of them, particularly Mitchell Johnson, has been simply outstanding.

I am really looking forward to the next Test, seeing Australia win the series, like we did in Port Elizabeth in 1997.

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Mitch is also closing in on a small milestone, passing my 259 Test wickets.

I will love nothing more than to see him get a big haul of wickets and go past 259 wickets in a series winning Test match. C’mon Australia!

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