Cricket Betting: Australia vs South Africa 1st Test Preview

Australia and South Africa renew their rivalry with the first of the three Tests in Perth from Thursday, November 3. Check out our cricket previews and tips for content on all the international and domestic action.

Australia will welcome the familiarity of home conditions after failing miserably in Sri Lanka and South Africa. The Proteas have a great record in Australia and will hope to continue that – making this a great match in the offing.

The failures in recent times have shattered the morale of the Kangaroos so much that they need to dig deep into their reserves to bounce back. Batting still remains their strong facet with David Warner and Steven Smith more vital than ever with their ability to grind out attacks.

Question marks over the fitness and form of Mitchell Starc will decide the fate of the Kangaroos in Perth. Being thrusted straight out of an injury break into Test action speaks to the desperation of the hosts to see the left-arm quick lead the attack.

There are two sides to this South African squad that has come without its talismanic skipper AB de Villiers. They have won just two of their past 12 Tests but never lost at the WACA having won twice and drew once. They also have defeated the Aussies in consecutive home series, however, still go into the Perth Test as underdogs.

Stand-in captain Faf du Plessis is in cracking form and along with Hashim Amla will be the mainstay for the Proteas. Watch out for the exciting keeper-batsman Quinton de Kock who seems to enjoy his freedom down the order. With the ball, it will be the presence of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada that will keep the hosts on their toes – literally!

For the first time in more than 20 years, Australia summer won’t be opening with a Test match in Brisbane. The WACA may not be at its menacing speed but the pace at Perth will set a tone for the rest of the series as both sides eagerly wait on their journey to climb up the ICC Test rankings.

The Proteas have a formidable record and backing them for a win at odds of $2.85 looks a safe one.

TIP: South Africa to win – $2.85 at Sportsbet

Du Plessis looks a good bet to be the best batsman for South Africa as he has relished the captaincy recently. Warner looks a safe punt from the Aussie side.

TIP: Du Plessis top South Africa Batsman, 1st Innings – $4.33 at Sportsbet

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