AUS vs RSA 3rd Test Match Prediction

AUS vs RSA Team Previews

Australia

Australia will be without Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green for this match. Starc will be replaced by Josh Hazelwood, who is returning from an injury, but replacing Cameron Green is going to be trickier. There is also the issue of the surface. It is covered in grass and seems quite lively at this point but we expect the grass to be taken off ahead of the start. 

This will probably put Ashton Agar in a great place to play. Australia also has Lance Morris (touted as the fastest bowler in Australia) in its squad but he may have to wait for his debut. 

The bowling lineup is going to be very strong regardless of who is picked. Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazelwood are almost certain to start while the fifth bowling option will be between Agar and Morris. This is certainly a bowling lineup that can give Australia 20 wickets with ease against South Africa. 

The batting lineup for Australia is also in a good place. David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Alex Carey all have runs under their belts. If there is a batter in need of some runs then that is Usman Khawaja. 

Australia has been dominant at home against everyone (except India) for a long time. It will be looking nothing for less than a resounding victory and we think it has a great chance of achieving that. 

South Africa

South Africa's Test team is in disarray. The batting is in utter shambles and the bowling, impressive in patches, has not been good enough to keep the Aussies down for a prolonged period of time. The problems are systemic and we don't think they can disappear overnight. 

Yes, South Africa can make things a bit easier for itself by trying to balance the side out a bit better and by some more inspirational captaincy. They can try and take the game to the Australians to try and rattle them and maybe bring them out of their comfort zones. 

All of this is a long shot, though. As bettors, we would not consider South Africa to be a serious challenge to Australia right now. 

Dean Elgar has said he wants to continue with a five-man bowling attack and so that should remain the same. Rabada, Nortje, and Jansen will pose a genuine threat while Ngidi is also good when in rhythm. Keshav Maharaj's role might be bigger if the Sydney pitch starts to spin later in the game.

Theunis de Bruyn has returned home for the birth of his child and so the batting lineup is likely to feature Heinrich Klaasen for this match. We would like to see Ngidi dropped and Rassie van der Dussen brought back but that seems unlikely at this point in time.