Test Preview - Australia v South Africa

The Aussies have come from the clouds in a desperate bid to retain their ranking as the number 1 test side in the world. On a bouncy Johannesburg pitch, the Australians rebounded back from 33/3 to post a first innings total in excess of 450. This was always going to be hard to beat and even though the South Africans were very competitive for the rest of the test match the mountain was far too high to climb.
The second test starts this weekend in what promises to be yet another enthralling contest between two of the three powerhouses of world cricket. Sportsbet.com.au has the draw as a clear favourite again at $2.20, with the South Africans at $2.70 and the Aussies at $3.40.
The draw is always bad value in modern day test matches though I am still intending to back it like I did in the last test match. The Aussie bowling lineup is still weak, with both Siddle and Hilfenhaus reporting niggling injuries after the first test. The deck looks to have a green tinge and it would be a surprise for the Aussies to select Bryce McGain for his debut. The South Africans should surely go in with a four pronged pace attack, with Harris being the only glaring weakness in their side.
Both batting lineups are strong and if the pitch settles down then I would expect both sides to score pretty handy first innings totals. The weather at this time of year is always a little dodgy in South Africa, especially towards the end of the day with thunderstorms always a possibility. For all these reasons I think they have got the market right with the draw from South Africa being the most likely results.

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