SA vs AUS 2018: Match Prediction For Series-Opener at Durban

The world will see some of the best players in the world on the field at the same time when the first Test between South Africa and Australia starts at Kingsmead on Thursday (March 1). Both the teams are ranked second and third in Tests behind India which makes an exciting background for a mouthwatering clash.

Both the teams have potent fast bowlers and batting lineups which are exciting as fragile.

The Proteas have Kagiso Rabada, the outgoing Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and new sensation Lungi Ngidi in their squad for the opener, while Dale Steyn could return from injury for the third Test.

On the other hand, Australia will unleash their Ashes-winning seamers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, with Nathan Lyon, the top Test wicket-taker in 2017, providing a quality spin option.

South Africa and Australia will be entering the Tests after suffering contrasting fate in their last assignment. While Australia comprehensively won the tri-nation T20 series, South Africa were thoroughly outplayed by India in the limited-overs series.

However, the limited-overs form is likely to count for little when the two competitors lock horns in the red-ball cricket. The last team both the teams met, it had turned out to be a lopsided contest. South Africa had inflicted a humiliating 3-0 whitewash on Australia in their backyard.

However, the forthcoming series promises to be an exciting one. South Africa have proved their form by beating world number one India 2-1 at home last month. On the other hand, Australia are basking in glory after dismantling England 4-0 in the Ashes.

Prediction:

While the home teams have dominated the series in recent times, Australia are more than likely to give the Proteas a run for their money. Steve Smith & Co. are high on confidence and would be desperate to avenge for their 3-0 loss at home in 2016.

Moreover, the Durban pitch has lost its pace in recent time. And in case it happens, Nathan Lyon can wreak havoc on South Africa who have struggled against spinners recently. Even if the pitch assists the pacers, Australia’s formidable can blow away Proteas’ fragile batting.

So, Australia will enter the game as favorites and are expected to win the series-opener.

Teams:

South Africa:

Faf du Plessis (captain), Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Lungi Ngidi, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Wiaan Mulder, Heinrich Klaasen 

Australia:

Steven Smith(c), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers