South Africa will take on Australia in the first Test of their highly anticipated three-match series at the SuperSport Park in Centurion from December 26. The Proteas, currently ranked sixth in the ICC Test rankings, will be eager to prove their mettle against the second-ranked Australian side, with the series marking a crucial clash in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The Boxing Day Test promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting formidable line-ups. Australia, led by Pat Cummins, will be looking to build on their recent Test series victory against Pakistan, while South Africa, under the captaincy of Dean Elgar, will aim to bounce back from their 2-1 series loss to England. The match will commence at 10:30 local time, with the toss taking place 30 minutes prior.
South Africa and Australia clash in Boxing Day Test
The first Test between South Africa and Australia will commence on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with both teams eager to gain an early advantage in the three-match series. This Boxing Day Test marks the start of a highly anticipated contest between two formidable sides.
South Africa, currently ranked third in the ICC Test rankings, will be looking to build on their recent form. They have won their last two Test series, against India and the West Indies, and will be confident heading into this encounter.
Australia, the top-ranked Test team, enter the match on the back of a 2-0 series win against Pakistan. They will be buoyed by their home advantage and the return of key players like Steve Smith and David Warner, who have been in excellent form.
The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is expected to offer assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. According to cricket analyst, “The surface has a good covering of grass, which should help the fast bowlers early on. As the match progresses, it should provide a good batting track.”
South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, will be crucial in their quest for victory. Rabada, in particular, has been in scintillating form, taking 48 wickets in his last 10 Test matches.
Australia’s batting lineup, featuring the likes of Smith, Warner, and Marnus Labuschagne, will be a significant challenge for the South African bowlers. Smith, who has been in sublime form, recently scored his 27th Test century against Pakistan.
The match will be broadcast live on various platforms, with viewers in South Africa able to catch the action on SuperSport. In Australia, the match will be available on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.
Both teams will be aware of the importance of the first Test, with the result likely to set the tone for the remainder of the series. Fans can expect a thrilling contest between two of the world’s best cricket teams.
The first Test between South Africa and Australia kicks off on 26 December
The first Test between South Africa and Australia will commence on 26 December at SuperSport Park in Centurion. This much-anticipated series marks the beginning of Australia’s tour of South Africa.
South Africa’s captain, Dean Elgar, expressed confidence ahead of the match. “We’re excited to start the series at home,” Elgar stated during the pre-match press conference. “Our preparation has been thorough, and we’re ready to face Australia.”
Australia, meanwhile, arrives in South Africa with a squad boasting significant experience. Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “South Africa is always a tough place to tour,” Cummins remarked. “But we’re here to compete and give our best.”
The Centurion pitch is expected to offer assistance to both pacers and spinners. Historically, the venue has favoured fast bowlers, with the average first-innings score being around 350. However, spinners have also found success, particularly in the latter stages of matches.
Both teams have been involved in intense training sessions leading up to the Test. South Africa’s bowlers have been working on their line and length, while Australia’s batsmen have been focusing on technique against quality pace.
The match will be the first international cricket fixture of the new year for both nations. Fans can expect a competitive contest, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand early in the series.
The toss will take place at 10:00 local time, with play scheduled to begin at 10:30. The match is set to be broadcast live on SuperSport in South Africa and Fox Sports in Australia.
Proteas host Australia at SuperSport Park for the first Test
The first Test between South Africa and Australia will commence at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 26. The Proteas will be looking to build on their recent Test series victory against India, while Australia seeks to bounce back from a disappointing Ashes defeat.
South Africa’s squad, announced on December 20, includes notable omissions such as Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen. The team will be led by Temba Bavuma, with Aiden Markram and Keegan Petersen retaining their places in the top order.
Australia, on the other hand, has named an unchanged squad from their recent series against Pakistan. Pat Cummins will lead the side, with Usman Khawaja and David Warner opening the batting. The team will be eager to put behind their 4-0 Ashes drubbing and start afresh in South Africa.
The pitch at SuperSport Park is expected to offer assistance to both pacers and spinners. Cricket South Africa’s head of cricket, Graeme Smith, stated, “We expect a good, competitive pitch. It’s a surface that should offer something for everyone.”
The weather forecast for the first three days predicts sunny conditions with temperatures ranging from 17 to 28 degrees Celsius. Rain is not expected to interrupt play during this period.
Both teams have been training at the venue and are preparing for what promises to be an intense contest. The outcome of this Test could set the tone for the rest of the series.
Australia aims to extend winning streak against South Africa
Australia will aim to extend their winning streak against South Africa when the two teams meet in the first Test from 26 December. The tourists have won the last three Test series against the Proteas, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent encounter in 2018.
South Africa will be without the services of senior players like Dean Elgar, Quinton de Kock, and Faf du Plessis. The hosts have named a young squad for the series, with Aiden Markram set to lead the side.
Australia, on the other hand, will be boosted by the return of key players like Steve Smith and David Warner. The duo has been in excellent form in recent series, with Smith scoring three centuries in as many Tests against Pakistan.
The first Test will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The pitch is expected to favour the batsmen, with the ball likely to come onto the bat nicely. However, the weather could play a role, with rain predicted for the first two days of the match.
Australia coach Justin Langer has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform in South Africa. “We’ve got a good squad and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said ahead of the series. South Africa coach Mark Boucher, meanwhile, has urged his young side to embrace the opportunity. “It’s a great chance for these guys to show what they can do,” he said.
South Africa looks to bounce back after recent Test series defeat
South Africa will aim to rebound from a recent Test series defeat when they face Australia in the first Test starting on 26 December. The Proteas lost their last series 2-1 to India, with the final Test ending in a draw. Australia, meanwhile, come off a 2-0 series win against Pakistan.
The first Test will take place at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. South Africa’s last victory against Australia came in 2018, when they won a home series 2-1. Australia, however, have been strong in recent years, topping the ICC Test rankings.
Kagiso Rabada will lead South Africa’s pace attack, which also includes Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje. Australia will rely on Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc for their fast bowling. Both teams have strong spin options, with South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and Australia’s Nathan Lyon expected to play key roles.
South Africa’s captain, Dean Elgar, expressed confidence ahead of the series. “We’ve had a good preparation, and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said. Australia’s Tim Paine echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We’re ready for a tough series.”
The series will consist of three Test matches, with the next two scheduled for Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. The matches will be played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The first Test between South Africa and Australia at Centurion Park will set the tone for the four-match series. With both teams boasting formidable bowling attacks, the battle between their batsmen could prove decisive. The Proteas, coming off a series win against India, will aim to build on their recent form, while Australia seeks to bounce back from their Ashes defeat. The outcome of this match will not only shape the series but also provide valuable insights ahead of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
