Spent. Exhausted. Drained. Cooked. Though most commonly applied to Peter
Siddle, these words were also accurate enough descriptions of players
on both sides at the end of an epic draw in Adelaide. A mere three days
later Australia and South Africa are at it again, on a ground and a
pitch likely to offer up a result after two stalemates in the first two
Tests. Australia's captain Michael Clarke has already labelled the match
a 'grand final', while Dale Steyn spoke for the tourists when he
conveyed their desire not to slink away from Australia with the No. 1
ranking still in their possession via the back-door of three draws.
Australia's challenge appears the most pronounced. Having thrown all
they possibly could at South Africa across the first two Tests they have
nothing to show for it but injuries and a creeping fatigue across most
of the squad. This means the bowling attack that has strived so hard in
Brisbane and Adelaide will have a decidedly different look at the WACA
ground. Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc can both be expected to
play, while Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus have been rested. Shane Watson's
return from a calf problem is welcome, but it remains to be seen how
well grooved he is for a Test match having played only one first-class
fixture - in which he was injured - since April. Then of course there is
the matter of Ricky Ponting's last Test. Clarke has the job ahead of
him to keep his team focused and efficient despite their trials.
South Africa, meanwhile, can style themselves as the boxer who has sat
on the ropes and allowed their opponent to punch himself out before
launching a definitive counter in the final round. While they lack the
depth of bowling reinforcements Australia may call on, the return of
Vernon Philander from a back niggle and the extra day and a half of rest
afforded by Faf du Plessis' magnificent rearguard in Adelaide suggest
this will be a fresh enough attack to zing the ball around in Perth.
Jacques Kallis remains an outside chance of playing as a batsman, having
done so well under considerable duress in the second Test. A more
accomplished and seasoned side entering this series, the tourists will
hope to show their somewhat flat displays up to this point are not a
true reflection of their worth. It's a special Test for South Africa,
their 200th since unity.
Form guide
(Most recent first)Australia DDWDW
South Africa DDWDW
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