With the Australian cricket summer barely over, a new test series in South Africa is almost upon us. While much was made of the series loss earlier this year, what hasn’t been mentioned is that Australia are also protecting an impressive record against the Proteas in their own country. The Aussies have not lost a test series there since South Africa emerged from the sporting wilderness and rejoined test cricket over 15 years ago.
So while the South Africans were obviously overjoyed at their tour victories in Australia, you can be sure that they will be fighting even harder to change the record books in their home country in front of a sport loving nation who have bought tickets for this series in record numbers. Expectations have been raised high and the team will be striving hard to ensure their fans are not disappointed. Add to this the fact that only two of the current Australian squad (Ponting and Hussey) have played test cricket in South Africa and on paper you have the makings of a very lopsided contest.
So where does this leave Australia? Well…in a very tough battle to be honest. I’m not going to talk about generational change, it’s all been said many times before. For me the interest in this series lies in the performance of the current players, not the statistics of the ones who have retired. The focus of most of the attention will be on our bowling attack, who between them have taken less than 100 test wickets. With the exception of Johnson you have players untried in test cricket, let alone tough series’ away in South Africa and England. Some sportspeople raise their performances when the level of competition lifts. Others are unaable to adapt their game to differing conditions and opponents.
Hopefully one, and maybe two of the rookie bowling squad of Bollinger, Siddle, Hilfenhaus and McGain can step forward as the man with the desire to play above themselves in the top flight of cricket. South African pitches are generally favourable to pace, so the quicks will have plenty of opportunities. Mcgain may have to wait until the second test, depending on the make up of the Australian middle order.
The other worry for the series is Michael Clarke who is nursing a back injury. His consistent performances would be sorely missed, and if he succumbs we will probably see Marcus North making his debut alongside Phillip Hughes. Hughes in particular has generated more interest in a young player than has been seen in this country since his test captain was carting Sheffield Shield attacks in his teens.
This test team is without a doubt the least experienced in twenty years and for me that is exciting. We may not come through the series with a win but we should get a glimpse into the fight within the team as well as more of an idea about our prospects for the ashes tour later this year.
