Arthur Turner

South Africa start their international season this week with a two-match ODI series against Kenya, followed by the tour by Bangladesh that includes a T20 international, three ODIs and two Test matches. Neither team will stretch the South Africans, but these tours provide ideal match practice and an opportunity to blood some younger players, especially in the ODIs. Ultimately all eyes are on Australia.

The massive Australian defeat in India has once again raised hopes that South Africa have a real chance of winning a series in Australia for the first time in history. The Aussie’s are feeling the effects of the generation change that is taking place within their team. It will be good for South Africa if India could beat them 3-0 as this would really dent their confidence. However, I would not bet on it as they are fighters especially with their backs to the wall.

The Australians will be hard to beat in Australia as history proves, even, if their team is being rebuilt. The Australian batting still looks world class with players like Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke. Add to this Andrew Symonds and David Hussey and the batting remains as good, if not better than any other team in the world

The one major concern they have is Matthew Hayden’s lack of runs. The question must be asked whether it is a lack of form or if he's in terminal decline. Only time will tell. However, Australia will always produce quality batsman because of the intensity in their domestic system and good cricket wickets.

The Australian fast bowling attack still looks a good unit in spite of Glen McGrath’s retirement. Brett Lee has successfully taken over as spearhead of the attack, Mitchell Johnson has made good progress and Stuart Clark plays the role that McGrath did.

The big problem that Australia faces is not finding a replacement for Shane Warne but a spinner of international quality. Cameron White has struggled in India and ironically the cupboard looks bare. They find themselves in a similar position to what South Africa have found themselves in for years.

The other challenge is that the great Adam Gilchrist cannot be replaced and his influence both as a person and cricketer is visibly missing.

Areas of concern

The South African team on the other hand is a settled combination that has played together for a sustained period. They have also enjoyed Test match success against all the cricket nations with the exception of Australia.

However, there are two areas of concern.

The South African team in recent years has been found wanting on the big occasions and do they really believe that they can create history by becoming the first team to win a series in Australia since 1910? Their recent performances on big occasions certainly suggests there are question marks.

The spinner situation continues to be a perennial problem as Paul Harris brings nothing to the team. The selectors have been thrown a lifeline with Claude Henderson’s performances in the SuperSport Series. He toured Australia in 2001/02 and enjoyed reasonable success on a tour where South Africa were demolished 3-0.

He is currently by far the best option as he can bowl well in tandem with the fast bowlers and is a wicket taker. As a lower-order batsman he is very useful and a much better fielder than Harris.

As Graeme Smith and Mickey Arthur head for Australia, I am sure they will realise that they have probably the best opportunity in the history to win a series Down Under. The question is, can they deliver.   

Arthur is a former cricket administrator.

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