Cricket Betting: Australia vs South Africa 3rd Test Preview
There is an entire generation of Cricket supporters who have only witnessed dominance from Australian teams in the past. For them and for many others, the current travails of the Kangaroos are as much a surprise as a worry. And as we head to Adelaide for the final Test from November 24 – a day-night one – Australia are looking at what could possibly be the lowest point of their history.
The shockwaves of timid losses at Perth and Hobart have already resulted in huge changes. Rod Marsh has moved on as the chairman of selectors and as many as six changes were made to the side. Three batting debutants – Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson – are in line to carry hopes of transformation on their shoulders.
Changes elsewhere mean that Matthew Wade is back behind the stumps and it would be interesting to see how his coulor blindness would affect his keeping in the pink ball match. There could also be a debut for the home favourite Chadd Sayers ahead of Jackson Bird. Nathan Lyon was lucky to have missed the axe owing to an injury to Steve O’Keefe and he could be under immense pressure.
South Africa too have problems of their own with the ball tampering claims around stand-in captain Faf du Plessis. Stephen Cook is the only one to falter with the bat but he may get one more chance to stake his claim. There is a temptation to include wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi in the place of Keshav Maharaj although the latter was brilliant in both matches so far.
Hashim Amla found some form in the last Test and was also among runs during the pink-ball practice. However, what’s refreshing is the ease with which Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock are bossing the Aussies. Same goes for Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada who have been nothing but exceptional with the ball.
Adelaide is a fortress for Australia and South Africa have never won here – although on current form it looks set to change. Backing the visitors for a win seems to be the popular option although the hosts will be eager to bank on the debutants. Usman Khawaja has looked the part in the series so far and could be looked upon to lead their charge with the bat.
TIP: Usman Kawhaja, Aus High Run Scorer 1st Inns – $4 at Sportsbet
Shamsi could be the surprise element in this Test and he already has bamboozled the Aussies – albeit in a different format. If you are aggressive back him to be the top bowler for South Africa. Same logic goes for the punt against Sayers for Australia.
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