The West Indies have gone home and now it’s South Africa’s turn to try and stop Marnus and the rest of the inform Australian batsmen.
To say the first Test series of the summer was a beatdown would be one of the biggest understatements of the year.
South Africa on the other hand are currently third on the Test rankings and second on the Test Championship standings, there are WTC points on the line and you’d imagine this series will be a lot more competitive.
It’s all kicking off at the Gabba on Saturday where the Aussie’s have historically played very well. Despite how close the rankings are, the Aussie’s are once again heavy favourites $1.40 to SA’s $5.00.
Skipper Pat Cummins should be and ready to go after being rested with a quad injury while Aussie line and length specialist Josh Hazlewood has already been ruled out.
I’m really looking forward to this series, being the huge cricket nuffy I am, I’ve taken a deep dive into the scorecards and player stats and I think I’ve found a few winners.
Here’s my preview of the first Test.
My Predicted Australia XI
- D. Warner
- U. Kwawaja
- M. Labuschagne
- S. Smith
- T. Head
- C. Green
- A. Carey (WK)
- P. Cummins (C)
- M. Starc
- N. Lyon
- S. Boland
It’s not broken so it doesn’t need fixing. Our batting line up is the best it’s looked since the 06/07 Ashes and Boland gets another crack only because Hazlewood is still out with that injury.
Warner has been out of touch recently but there’s no risk of him being dropped in my eyes. Marcus Harris is next man up and I don’t believe he would do any better.
Back Australia to Win @ $1.40
The Aussie’s are a $1.40 favourites for a reason. Our batsmen are seeing beach balls at the moment and our bowlers are taking poles for fun.
In the last 30 years, Australia have won 23 tests, lost 1 and drawn 6. The forecast predicts a couple of classic Queensland afternoon storms on Days 1 and 3 but it won’t be enough to force a draw.
Add the Aussie’s to win as a little boost to a larger multi.
Back Marnus Labuschange to score 100 in 1st innings @ $4.50
It’s his first game against the nation where he was born, at his home ground AND he’s currently the number 1 ranked test batsmen in the world.
I’d imagine a century against South Africa is something Marnie is desperate for and I can see him digging really deep to do it here.
Not to mention he’s averaging 167.33 this summer. I can see him carving out a really gutsy century off 250 rocks in this first innings and am happy to get on him at $4.50
Back Kagiso Rabada top SA 1st Innings Wicket Taker @ $3.75
Rabada is the favourite here for a reason, currently the #6 on the Test Bowling Rankings and an absolute nightmare for batsmen.
The Gabba curators always leave a heap in the deck for the bowlers and I think the conditions should suit Rabada really well.
Am I lame for backing the favourite? Yes, but I believe $3.75 is still value for Rabada.
Back Pat Cummins for 5+ First Innings Wickets @ $8
One of the best looking roughies I’ve ever seen!
Patty was very close to being fit for the Adelaide Test but decided to play it safe. I’d imagine having to sit out and watch the boys rip the Windies to shreds would have fired him up.
The Gabba has been Patty’s most successful Australian ground. He has 32 wickets at an average of 16.78 which includes two five wicket hauls in five games.
I like the Skipper to lead by example for the Aussies.