Former South African captain Graham Smith warned the Proteas team that Australia is likely to employ its traditional tactic during the upcoming tour of South Africa: focusing on the most experienced players to subsequently weaken the younger athletes.
In an exclusive interview with IOL, Smith stated that the characteristic of the Australian team is to target the most experienced and leading players. He noted that if they manage to control these players, it will allow the younger members of the team to develop more.
Although the Proteas are considered favorites, especially in Test series matches at their home ground, this rivalry is always unpredictable. The situation is complicated by the fact that Proteas' batting leader, Kagiso Rabada, is in question regarding his participation in the Test series after being dropped from previous ODIs.
As a result, South Africa may have to rely more heavily on the rest of its bowling attack. Smith expressed hope for KG's full recovery, while emphasizing the importance of players like Marco Jansen, who is a key all-rounder for the team. He also pointed to the significant role of Keshav Maharaj, who helps Temba [Bavuma] in his role as captain to be more experimental and secures important victories for the team.
Since world Test matches rarely last five days due to bowler-friendly pitches, the batting line will bear a large responsibility. Smith questioned whether players such as Aiden [Markram], Ryan Rickelton, and others can score the necessary runs, considering there are sufficiently strong bowlers available.
The tour includes three ODI matches and three Test matches. The first ODI match is scheduled for September 24 in Durban, and the first Test will begin on October 9.
