<p><strong>South Africa v Australia – 1<sup>st</sup> One Day – Match Preview </strong>
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<p>The former two best cricket teams lock horns in the first day and night One Day International match, played at the Super Sport Park, Centurion today October 19, 2011.</p>
<p>With both teams in transition, the game will show the respective progress they have made after a disappointing World Cup 2011. There are quite a few similarities among the two camps- new captains, new coaches, new back-room staff, and both contesting to
reclaim lost glories – as both teams were one considered a cut above the others.</p>
<p>With the emergence of England and India as the new cricketing giants, the battle still remains one of the most closely fought and with both teams eager to get back to their old dominancy, the series is of huge importance.</p>
<p>The hosts had to make key personnel changes after the injury to new captain, Ab De Villiers. With him filling the wicket-keeping berth as well, the management had to recall Mark Boucher while elevating Hashim Amla to lead the side.</p>
<p>The T20 series was a good outing for the youngsters; however, the one dayers will see the return of experience duo of fast bowler, Dale Steyn and all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, which will give the team a much familiar look.</p>
<p>The dilemma the team faces will be in picking the bowling composition. Steyn and Morne Morkel will be first choice, which then leaves room for Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Wayne Parnell or leg-spinner, Imran Tahir. The South African will prefer to play Johan Botha
for his all-round ability, which means that Tahir might miss out, depending on the conditions.</p>
<p>The key player for the hosts will be their skipper. With an average of 57.25, the opponents will be wary of getting Amla out early on; however, it will be his captaincy that will be the key element. A humble personality, the player did a reasonably good
job in the T20 and will relish leading the side against a strong opposition.</p>
<p>Aussies on the other hand will also welcome back their experience guns, with Ricky Ponting and skipper Michael Clarke, joining the rest of the ODI squad. Clarke’s first full tour as the captain was highly successful, not just on the field but how he handled
an under fire dressing room.</p>
<p>However, the Proteas will offer a different sort of test and with a constant change in the back-room staff, he will need to ensure that the team performs to its full potential.</p>
<p>A few changes are expected in the team with all-rounder Shane Watson still likely to miss the game due a hip injury. David Warner will slot in the opening berth, partnered by Shaun Marsh. After a sensational T20 debut, Patrick Cummins will be in line to
get a place in the One Day side, who will now look to impress his new skipper.</p>
<p>The key player for the Australians will be left-armer, Mitchell Johnson. Much has been talked about him not stepping up to the mark and it will be this tour that is a make or break for the player.</p>
<p>The conditions are partly cloudy so firstly, one hope that rain stays away. As for the pitch, Centurion will offer bounce and pace, ideal for fast bowlers. However, with attacking players on both teams repertoire, one expects a high-scoring encounter.</p>
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