Same old story as South Africa dominate in Australia

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis believes his side’s crushing Test win over Australia has opened up old wounds in Darren Lehmann’s vulnerable outfit.

The Proteas will take a 1-0 lead into the second Test in Hobart after demolishing Australia by 177 runs at the WACA Ground.

The result followed the Proteas’ recent 5-0 ODI whitewash against Australia in South Africa.

In late October, Australian paceman Peter Siddle laughed off suggestions from du Plessis that the one-day defeats had inflicted some mental scars.

But du Plessis says the series-opening Test win in Perth would have revived memories of the ODI thumpings.

“It’s a different format but you’d like to start well and almost open up those wounds a little bit again,” du Plessis said after the Test win in Perth.

“So it was important for me that we make sure we played really well because we know in Hobart the Australians have a good record there.

“So it definitely helps in terms of going there now.”

Proteas paceman Kagiso Rabada, who was named man of the match in Perth for his seven-wicket match haul, said the ODI series against Australia was crucial in showing him what tactics to use.

“I think it definitely did help in terms of strategy,” Rabada said.

“You tend to develop a sense of where to bowl to different batters. It helped in that regard.”

Australia could make up to three changes to their team heading into Hobart.

Opener Shaun Marsh has already been ruled out with a broken finger, and Adam Voges will be monitored after tweaking his hamstring.

Batsmen Callum Ferguson and Joe Burns have been drafted into the expanded 13-man squad.

Paceman Joe Mennie, who was 12th man in Perth, could squeeze his way into the final XI at the expense of Peter Siddle.

South Africa are likely to make just the one change, with Morne Morkel and Kyle Abbott the leading candidates to replace injured paceman Dale Steyn.

Allrounder Dwaine Pretorius has been added to the squad as cover.