Cricket Betting: South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Preview

Whenever and wherever South Africa and Australia face each other, there is bound to be excitement. Both these teams always give their best on the field and are known to be two of the most well-prepared sides. That makes the latest series in South Africa a very intriguing one.
The first of the four-match Test series will be played at the Kingsmead in Durban from Thursday, March 1st.

South Africa – can they bounce back?

This hasn’t been a summer worth remembering for the Proteas, so far. Though they won the Test series against India by a margin of 2-1, it was a close series that could have gone either way. Their troubles took the worst turn when they had a nightmarish run in white ball cricket losing both the ODI and T20 series to India.
Adding to their poor form is the injuries to key personnel. The availability of inspirational captain Faf du Plessis still hangs in the balance while Dale Steyn isn’t available for this game.
All that puts a lot of pressure on the seniors to deliver, especially with the hosts looking to win their first-ever series win at home against Australia since re-admission. But, is that desire enough to propel intent?

Australia – a team in the ascendancy

Familiarity with the conditions and experience in the format gives this Aussies side an edge in this match. What more, most of the players are in top form, having delivered a masterclass to England in the Ashes.
Although most of the squad members then went on to get a hiding in the ODI series, they made it a point to come early to South Africa and get acclimatized. Having played a warm-up game, Steve Smith’s side will hope to be in a better shape than their hosts.
Their pace attack gave jitters to the English men and should once again be the focus. The way they carry out short-ball attack is one for the manual, although it is a batting team’s nightmare! Can they continue to demolish opposition and is it South Africa’s turn next?

Stats

In South Africa, Australia have won eight of the last 11 Tests played, losing only three.
The last time a Test between these sides ended in a draw in South Africa was in Durban in 1994.
In Durban, Australia have won five and lost three of the 10 matches they played. For South Africa, this has been a nightmarish ground where they have won just one of their last seven Tests, losing five and drawing one.
South Africa are yet to win a home series against Australia since getting re-admitted, losing five and drawing two.

Key players

Hashim Amla’s ability to score runs will be crucial – more so if Faf doesn’t play. For Australia, Nathan Lyon could be a dark horse, considering the recent history of this track taking spin.
Picks Australia are favourites to win and at odds of 2.30 (Sportsbet), they look hot shots to start the series with a bang.

TIP: Australia to win – $2.30 at Sportsbet

Smith’s consistency should see him score some runs in the first innings. Back him to score a fifty at odds of $2.25 (Ladbrokes).

TIP: Steve Smith top Australian runscorer – $2.25 at Ladbrokes