Venue: Perth Dates: 17-21 December Start time: 0230 GMT
Coverage: Scorecard and reports on BBC Sport website. Live on Sky Sports
 Steyn has been the centre of attention in Australia
|
South Africa will look to their pace attack to take charge of the series when the first Test against Australia starts in Perth on Wednesday.
The tourists have Dale Steyn, the highest-ranked seamer in the world ratings, fit again to lead their formidable four-pronged pace attack.
Australia are without their top bowler Stuart Clark and have called up the inexperienced Peter Siddle as cover.
South Africa could replace Australia as world number one team if they win 3-0.
However, they have never won a Test series in Australia and could be overtaken in second place by India.
Skipper Graeme Smith dismissed suggestions that there were mental scars left from previous series against Australia, when Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne often proved the difference.
 |
606: DEBATE
nm2878
|
"The guys have developed nicely over the last year and a half and have moved forward," he said.
"We have given them every opportunity to prepare properly and they are very excited about what lies ahead.
"One of the great things the players have learned over a period of time is how to perform away from home. Our record speaks for itself in that regard."
The hosts are expected to hand spinner Jason Krejza a home Test debut while South Africa could play Paul Harris.
Harris boosted his chances of making South Africa's team by taking 4-94 at the Waca on the final day of South Africa's two-day warm-up match against Western Australia.
He faces competition from paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe for the final place in the starting XI, but skipper Graeme Smith has indicated he would prefer to have a spinner in the side.
Siddle, meanwhile, may lose out to all-rounder Shane Watson.
Australia squad: Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Jason Krejza, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle.
South Africa squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Morne Morkel, Makhaya Ntini, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Monde Zondeki.
No comments:
Post a Comment