1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

[Bornadog]

Pat Cummins should be right to go, who comes out?

[GVGjr]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

Pat Cummins should be right to go, who comes out?

Neser.

[lemmon]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

South Africa has the best pace attack on the planet. Looking forward to seeing how Marnus and Head respond to the challenge. Should be an excellent series - I could see South Africa winning it if Elgar can find someone to bat with.

[whythelongface]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

South Africa has the best pace attack on the planet. Looking forward to seeing how Marnus and Head respond to the challenge. Should be an excellent series - I could see South Africa winning it if Elgar can find someone to bat with.

SA squad:

Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo

As you mentioned a great bowling attack but gee their batting is thin. Lucky to have a player that averages above 30 (apart from Elgar and Bavuma). Can’t see them getting close.

[GVGjr]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

South Africa has the best pace attack on the planet. Looking forward to seeing how Marnus and Head respond to the challenge. Should be an excellent series - I could see South Africa winning it if Elgar can find someone to bat with.

It's should be a good contest. I agree if SA can find a couple of stronger batters they could really give this a shake.

[Sedat]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

SA squad:

Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo

As you mentioned a great bowling attack but gee their batting is thin. Lucky to have a player that averages above 30 (apart from Elgar and Bavuma). Can’t see them getting close.

Erwee looked quite good in some tests earlier this year opening with Elgar but they relly are thin in the quality batting stocks. Bavuma has had an eternity to cement his place but is simply not up to this level and never will be.

They will trouble Australia with their hostile and deep bowling line-up but I can't see them consistently putting up big enough scores to defend. It will definitely be a far more competitive series than the complete and utter embarrassment dished up by the Windies.

[MrMahatma]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

Thank goodness it's SA and not another 3 of WI. I usually get into the tests but haven't watched a ball so far. And I work from home a fair bit and could realistically have the TV on in the background. Haven't bothered.

[lemmon]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

Pat Cummins should be right to go, who comes out?

I'd play Neser at the Gabba and Boland at the MCG. They're even in the pecking order and it's a short turn around between the 3 tests, so would look to get the home crowd fired up and behind the local boy at both venues.

[Axe Man]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

I'd play Neser at the Gabba and Boland at the MCG. They're even in the pecking order and it's a short turn around between the 3 tests, so would look to get the home crowd fired up and behind the local boy at both venues.

One of the commentators yesterday (can't recall who) was talking up Morris for boxing day, thought his extra pace would be useful on the MCG pitch. Edit: It was Mark Waugh.

Mark Waugh and Ricky Ponting both favouring Boland over Neser at the Gabba.

[GVGjr]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

I'd play Neser at the Gabba and Boland at the MCG. They're even in the pecking order and it's a short turn around between the 3 tests, so would look to get the home crowd fired up and behind the local boy at both venues.

That makes the most sense in a horses for courses approach but I find it hard to drop Boland given how good he has been in his 4 tests. I guess neither Boland or Neser represent a long term horizon which might factor in.

[Bornadog]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

Hazelwood is a definite no for the Gabba

[lemmon]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

One of the commentators yesterday (can't recall who) was talking up Morris for boxing day, thought his extra pace would be useful on the MCG pitch. Edit: It was Mark Waugh.

Mark Waugh and Ricky Ponting both favouring Boland over Neser at the Gabba.

I like Morris, but that'd be a brave call. He's only played the 18 first class games and this is the first season that he's been cemented in WA's best XI.

I think he'd more come into the frame if it was Starc under a cloud and they felt like we were missing someone with the pace to ruffle some feathers.

[Axe Man]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

Andrew McDonald has confirmed Boland will play ahead of Neser with Cummins expected to play.

[Bornadog]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

David Warner under pressure to perform in this series.

David Warner

98	180	7,919	355*	46	71	24	34
12	23	1,202	145	52	81	4	5
8	16	388	71	24	56	0	3

Warner conceded recently that he did not know how much more Test cricket he would play but was keen to continue.

“I’ll look to try and get to the 2024 World Cup,” Warner told the Herald and The Age in October. “And I’ve got my goal set on playing next year in the 50-over World Cup [in India]. So for now, we’ll see how much Test cricket I’ve got left in me after this summer coming up and winter away.



“So from there that will make up my mind whether I’ll continue to play Test cricket and all three forms.”

[GVGjr]

Re: 1st Test Australia v South Africa - GABBA, December 17

David Warner under pressure to perform in this series.

David Warner

98	180	7,919	355*	46	71	24	34
12	23	1,202	145	52	81	4	5
8	16	388	71	24	56	0	3

I had zero sympathy for Warner when it all went down in SA but I have to say I'm feeling a bit sorry for him when people are having a go at his wife.

There could be a chance this might be his last series.