Australia’s young bowlers are going to need to find some fight after an embarrassing six-wicket loss in to South Africa in the first match of the series. Join The Roar for live scores from the game, starting from 7pm (AEDT).
A side which lacked Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood and James Faulkner was always going to leave Steve Smith struggling for experience when the going got tough. A stellar 178 off just 113 deliveries from Quinton De Kock ensured South Africa’s victory.
It was a long way off the pace of the kind of performance that Australia want to be putting up consistently. Australia has a formidable batting line-up and didn’t utilise a great batting pitch with a lightning fast outfield and Australia will been keen to make amends for their failure to do so in the first match.
Steve Smith is the player to watch for me. He’s struggled to find form and now as captain he needs to stand up and lead from the front with the bat. Australia cannot continually rely on George Bailey to get them out of jail.
AB who? Quinton De Kock showed that South Africa aren’t just reliant on De Villiers for success as he made an outstanding one day century. I think De Kock is the player to watch for South Africa and I’m excited to see what’s next.
Dale Steyn is currently under an injury cloud and is undergoing a fitness test. His experience and presence on the field is always vital for the Proteas.
There have been water restrictions in Johannesburg and it will be interesting to see what conditions are like the middle for both sides. That aside, I’m tipping South Africa for another comfortable win.
Join The Roar for live scores from the game, starting from 7pm (AEDT).
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