Forget the rankings and the rhetoric, Australia starts the Test Series against South Africa as firm favourites.
Australia have not lost a Test series in South Africa since 1970 and hold a psychological hold over the hosts.
The latest evidence of this was in 2011 when Australia fought back to level the series in Johannesburg after being bowled out for 45 in Capetown.
Since South Africa re-entered the fold, the Republic has been a happy hunting ground for the Aussies with great Test matches and great performances in recent memory.
Steve Waugh and Greg Blewett’s partnership, Adam Gilchrist’s blistering double-ton, victory in Shane Warne’s 100th Test, and more recently Phil Hughes becoming the youngest ever player to score a century in both innings.
The list could go on.
History has shown us that the South African conditions bring out the best in our players and coupled with our recent demolition of England we must go into this series as favourites.
Forget the South African’s Number one Test ranking, Australia have the mental ascendancy over their foes and deserve strong favouritism.
On the pitch South Africa have a massive hole to fill due to the departure of Jacques Kallis, and have no decent spin bowler.
The biggest Test for the Aussies will be the trio of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.
Australia meanwhile also have a trio of in-form fast bowlers but also add the variety of the emerging off spinner Nathan Lyon.
Australia’s batting has improved over the recent Ashes summer and look equipped to deal with the challenges.
Expect some tough and exciting cricket over the next three Tests with South Africa the rank underdogs looking to crawl out from under the Australian’s psychological hold over them.
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Axle an the guru
Guest
Not sure now but i think they wipped us when Kim Hughes took a rebel side over there in the 80s an Hughes had a very handy side in my opinion it was a better side than Border had at the time but i think Sth Africas top order is stonger then ours until we find a number 3 we will always have problems somewhere along the way
Tom Dibble
Roar Rookie
Australia aren't favourites. South Africa may have lost Kallis, and they are yet to find a decent spinner, but Amla, De villiers, Steyn and Philander are all in superb form, and have the ability to rock our batting and bowling lineups.
trev
Guest
"Forget the rankings and the rhetoric, Australia starts the Test Series against South Africa as firm favourites." Huh? Tell him he's dreaming. You guys (Australia) have a good pace attack, but you have one of the worst middle orders in the world. Watson, Steve Smith and whoever has replaced Bailey - these guys wouldn't even make the NZ test team (considering Ryder can't). South Africa to win 2-0
Lzk
Guest
The aussie are tryng so hard 2 thnk they can win this test serie
AREH
Roar Guru
Dont want to be picky, but we were bowled out for 47, not 45. 45 was New Zealand
pim
Guest
Mr Roar editor- I know it is weekend & things slip trough the net a little. Proof of this is this total tosh that you allowed to be included today. Scraping the bottom of the barrel you are. No substance, no analysis,44 year joke(quite easy not to lose to a team for 22 years if you don't play them) no base for statements made----------- nothing!!! Go toss some balls to the boys in the neighbourhood Andrew-you will certainly do a better job there.
Armchair expert
Guest
If SA don't have a decent spin bowler, it must of been a massive fluke when Peterson outbowled Lyon in their last test meeting.
sheek
Roar Guru
Wow! Australia beats a rabble calling itself England by 5-0 & all of a sudden we are once again the greatest cricket show on earth that will sweep South Africa. Indeed, some press comments I've read even have the Aussie players themselves believing they will waltz in. Having followed sport for over 40 years I've learnt not to take anything for granted or make idle boasts. It's easy to open your mouth & say what you're going to do. Another matter entirely to roll your sleeves up & make it happen.
One-eyed jack
Guest
click bait. that is all.
felix
Guest
Haha so I guess your 44 year old record will meet its doom,poor stuff though weak analysis considering SA was in isolation for some time,your points are flaud with plenty of mitigating factors. Maybe Biltong can help you out by digging the archives of SA cricket,he's very good on he's rugby articles ;-)
JGK
Roar Guru
That is pretty perverted logic.
Andrew Menczel
Roar Pro
I am not a gambling man but Aussies should win a hotly contested tight series. South Africa have not beaten Australia at home for 44 years...
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
Ladbrokes are offering 3 to 1 on an Oz winning series. So, how much are you putting on them to win, Andrew?
Stephen
Guest
As an Aussie fan - I like your optimism Andrew. Personally, I'm far more circumspect.
Andrew
Guest
Last I heard for 1st test was S.A at $1.70 for a win and $5 there abouts for the draw.
Gavin Fernie
Roar Pro
Talk about arrogance ! As Biltongbek points out Australia trail in recent series. If South Africa is a happy hunting ground for Australia, so is Australia for the South Africans, We all look forward to a hard fought series,. May the best team win.
JGK
Roar Guru
So Andrew, what odds will you give me for South Africa?
Sorry mate, but just your first two paragraphs alone is misleading. There were twenty two years of isolation. Going by my book considering the last four test series (two at home and two away) South Africa is leading two series to one, so no bagagge there, I am afraid. The only thing you have correct is the void Kallis leaves.