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Life under a new captain will begin the hard way for Australia, as they try to finish their tour of South Africa on a high note after a horrific week. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of Day 1 from 7pm (AEDT).
The Aussies have had a tumultuous week, to put it lightly. It’s potentially the worst in the history of cricket in this country, with the fall out from the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town finally reaching it’s climax on Wednesday evening (AEST).
The end findings from Cricket Australia saw captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner suspended for 12 months, while Cameron Bancroft was given nine months.
It’s an extraordinary decision, and one that shakes the face of cricket around the world, yet, the remaining Aussie players have to get back up and play a Test with only a drawn series – one in which they can’t regain the trophy – on the line.
Replacing the trio for Australia are Queensland openers Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw, as well as Victorian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, while wicketkeeper Tim Paine takes over the captaincy.
All three have international experience, which will help their cause, however, are entering a hostile environment which they haven’t had time to adapt to.
The other eight members of the Aussie team have been through hell this week and one would think the mind won’t be solely on cricket. Add to that the likelihood of a green wicket in Johannesburg and this has all the ingredients for a disaster.
When South Africa hosted India at the Wanderers earlier this year, only one of the four innings made it past 200, and with their pace attack in fine form, it could be ugly.
In Cape Town, Australia lost 10 for 50 in their second innings on the fourth day of the match. Morne Morkel bowled with aggression, pace and bounce to pick up plenty, while Kagiso Rabada was fast and Vernon Philander his usual accurate self.
The trio will be licking their lips at the prospect of getting a vulnerable batting order on a green top, while the batting line-up has also hit form over the last two Tests, with all of Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock making valuable contributions during the last one.
Prediction
Everything points to South Africa winning this in a canter. Really, for Australia to compete after the week they have had would be a minor miracle.
South Africa to win it comfortably.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of Day 1 from 7pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.