We’ve all been on the edges of our seats for a while, and here it finally is. The much-awaited Test series between Australia and the Proteas is set to begin. And let’s just say it hasn’t been without its share of news and suspense.

The hosts have most of their best players available, but Josh Hazlewood hasn’t passed fit for the first game at the Gabba. It’s known that he’s a key feature of their pace attack, but it’s not like they don’t have suitable backup options. Scott Boland has enjoyed a tremendous start to his Test career and Lance Morris, the uncapped tearaway quick, got the nod on the back of his potential after improving returns in the Sheffield Shield.

Unsurprisingly, the discussion about South Africa never has a dull moment. The selectors announced an expanded squad that appeared to cover most of the bases, but the buzz about the exclusion of the in-form Ryan Rickelton has only intensified as he continues to sparkle across formats.

Various theories have been thrown around, and some of the disappointment is understandable, as the batting has been the Proteas’ Achilles heel in the longer format. The bowling has won games for the visitors on multiple occasions in this World Test Championship, and fans have been left longing for a true all-round masterclass of a performance.

It’s safe to say that Australia’s XI selects itself. The top 7 are set in stone, and there will be two changes in their bowling lineup. Skipper Pat Cummins has recovered, and Scott Boland will replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.

There’s a little bit of worry over David Warner, especially in light of him withdrawing his captaincy appeal. It remains to be seen if that has affected his form, but he always has the appetite for runs, especially notching up big scores.

Warner
Khawaja
Labuschagne
Smith
Head
Green
Carey (wk)
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Boland

The Proteas, on the other hand, have encountered a puzzling selection conundrum. The bowling attack should be predictable, with Keshav Maharaj the sole spinner alongside the pace quartet of Rabada, Ngidi, Nortje, and Jansen.

Dean Elgar and Sarel Erwee will open, but whom all will comprise positions 3-6?

Keegan Petersen sustained an injury during the domestic season, and that reopened the door for Rassie van der Dussen, who scored a brilliant 95 during the tour match.

Temba Bavuma is back, and should be able to slot right into the XI. Theunis de Bruyn got a Test recall after a while, but does he get in? Plus it wouldn’t make sense to drop Khaya Zondo after just one Test match. And to top it off, Heinrich Klaasen has been in scintillating touch in the domestic scene.

Kyle Verreynne hasn’t crossed 40 in any of his other 17 innings, aside from his century against NZ. It makes logical sense to switch in Klaasen for him, but Verreynne has been touted as one for the future for quite some time.

Knowing the selection plan, it’s likely that experience will get the preference, but are they willing to ring in changes that could prove to be instrumental later on?

Elgar (c)
Erwee
van der Dussen
Zondo / de Bruyn
Bavuma
Klaasen (wk)
Jansen
Maharaj
Rabada
Ngidi
Nortje

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