Are We There Yet?

thecricketragics have always extended an open invitation for guest writers to submit articles for publication. In the following, Chris Langston ponders the sterner test that South Africa will put to a rejuvenated Australian team in February.

As much as the Aussies have improved as a playing unit, there are some issues they need to address before the South African tour. I will leave you to ponder :

1. Aussies 1st Innings batting 1-6 against the Poms was below standard. The Proteas are class at finding weaknesses in a batting lineup. Put pressure on right from ball one and the Aussie 1st Innings totals might not push past 150.

2. Steyn has Clarke's measure. That battle will be vital to Aussies cause to beat the No 1 test side.

3. An aggressive move would be to play Watson @ 6; debut Doolan at 3 in the vital position. I think Lehmann is the kinda coach that would recommend this. Best team in the world, why don't you test your talents and ability against them. This might lead to low 1st Innings totals while Doolan finds his feet at Test Level.

4. South Africa have proved their class in the top 6. Aussies have shown their pace attack has 20 wickets a Test Match, but the Proteas will know of Lehmann/Clarke tactics in dissecting player technique and temperament. That top 6 will know they are up against quality quicks with their form being hot after this Ashes series. Class players bat accordingly. 400 is par for South Africa.

5. Fighting fire with fire, the verbals will definitely be a better brand with South Africa, the history between the two rivals is illustrious. I have my doubts that Steyn will be confronted by a Clarke spray! Possible war of words may not be the right tatics.

6. Aussies and the Proteas are ranked in the top 3 test teams currently, Clarke's claim for the No 1 spot rests firmly on this series. He puts his career on the line for Australian Cricket and believing they are playing a "better brand of cricket". Aussies are and have proved that. But you put yourself under pressure when you make statements as a captain about beating South Africa to get there. There was something about Clarke sitting with his destroyer, Johnson, that reminded me of Steve Waugh and how Steve would always back his players in the media strongly. Both Waugh and Clarke are strong with the media. But will something give when they take on the tough challenge of South Africa. Who will be Clarke's man of the series this time? Show us, Captain Courageous.

It will be a cracker of a series and with this new affirmed Aussie side, you never make predictions anymore. Let's bring the Proteas this new cricket brand!