Australia v South Africa: 1st ODI at Centurion – Australian batsmen to watch out for
After a couple of exciting Twenty20 Internationals, Australia and South Africa are once again up against each other in the three-match One Day International (ODI) series in South Africa.
The battle will begin with a crunch first game at SuperSports Park, Centurion on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.
After the ICC World Cup 2011, the two teams have experienced drastic changes to their setup, as both teams are now under the command of new skipper and a new coach.
Michael Clarke will lead the Kangaroos first time against the Proteas while it will very first outing as ODI captain for Hashim Amla, who is shouldering the responsibilities in place of AB de Villiers.
The Centurion pitch has always been famous for bundle of runs. Therefore, the batting departments of both teams are likely to play a key role in the contest.
The Australian batting line-up includes aggression, experience and class in the form of David Warner, Ricky Ponting and Clarke.
David Warner
Warner is yet to show his magic on the tour to South Africa, as he could only enjoy a couple of ducks during the T20 competition. Coming from India, where he performed fantastically in the Champions League T20 and emerged as the highest run-scorer in the
event, and doing nothing special in the previous two games, the attacking opener will definitely be desperate to collect some runs.
The opening batsman is a huge threat for the South African bowling attack, since he holds the ability to score quickly and change the course of the play within few moments. Meanwhile, with Shane Watson’s possible exclusion from the match, the responsibility
of providing good start will be on his shoulders.
The 24-year-old left-hander does not have very good stats in ODIs, as he has an average of just 15.14 in his seven 50-over games for Australia.
Ricky Ponting
During his fresh interaction with the media, the Aussie skipper admitted that Ponting’s experience will be crucial for the team on the ongoing tour. Since the former skipper holds a huge experience of international cricket under his belt, he will be a vital
player for Australia if the top-order batsmen fail to lay a solid foundation.
In the presence of Morne Morkel, Johan Botha and Wayne Parnell, the South Africans have a very good variety in their bowling department. However, Ponting is well capable of handling any kind of variations.
The most experienced player in the crew, the 36-year-old has played in 367 ODIs, scoring 13602 runs at an average of 42.77.
Michael Clarke
Clarke is an elegant stroke-player with outstanding batting skills. With an ability to play steady cricket along with knack of attacking, Clarke is surely a valuable competitor in the Australian middle-order. Despite the fact the Australian batting is very
strong in the presence of greats like Ponting, Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh, the skipper is the backbone of the batting unit.
The New South Wales batsman has represented his country in 203 One-dayers, piling up 6551 runs at an average of 45.81. Since Clarke is a player who does not give away his wicket easily, the African bowlers will have to play out of their skins to trouble
him.
Although, these gurus of cricket are dangerous batsmen, let’s see who emerges as the hero on the day and contribute something wonderful to the winning cause.
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