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South Africa in Australia, 2008/09Australia v South Africa 1st Test at Perth16-Dec-2008 13:19:00 IST
Perth: Australia have included off-spinner Jason Krejza in their side and named allrounder Shane Watson as 12th man for Wednesday's first Test against South Africa in Perth.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he expected the pitch to have some early life on day one for the quick bowlers but the home team would need some variety in their attack as the match wore on.
"We think it's going to be a pretty good wicket to bat on as the game goes on and someone who can take pace off the ball and do a good job with his finger spin will come in handy for us."
The world's two top-ranked Test sides are coming off comfortable wins over less well regarded opponents in series that were effectively curtain-raisers for what should be a fascinating three-Test tour. Australia accounted for New Zealand in four days in both their Tests at the Gabba and Adelaide Oval and South Africa had little trouble securing a 2-0 victory at home against Bangladesh. Highlights of the match
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Australia |
South Africa |
| Coach |
Mickey Arthur |
Tim Nielsen |
| ICC Ranking |
1 |
2 |
| Key Players |
Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson |
Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini |
| Drawing Broad |
It's very fair to say we've had the wood over them for a long time in both forms of the game and particularly probably in bigger moments in series, whether it be World Cup semi-finals or whether it be Test series. |
Australia have earned the right to be respected. They've got some class players but if you look at the stats their bowling attack is very different to the last one we played on home soil. |
| Weather |
Scattered Clouds. High: 80oF / 27oC . Wind SW 17 mph / 28 km/h. |
| Pitch |
The appropriately named WACA has always delighted fast bowlers with its prodigious pace, bounce and carry, this is one of the fastest pitch of the world. |
| Current Form |
LDLWW |
WWLWW |
| ODDS |
Australia 1/2, South Africa 5/4, Drawn 7/3 |
| Head to head |
Total 80, Australia 46, South Africa 15, Drawn 19 |
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