South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test: Preview, squads and everything you need to know

The much-awaited third Test between South Africa and Australia will kick off on Thursday at the Newlands cricket stadium in Cape Town.The four-match series stands level at 1-1 and has been surrounded by controversies so far after the poor conduct of players from both sides.

However, both the teams would be keen to take the unassailable lead with a stunning performance over the next five days.

The home side would be riding high after Kagiso Rabada’s suspension was overturned. The return of the 22-year-old bowler, who bagged 11 wickets in 2nd Test means that home side is almost guaranteed to be at full-strength, bar last-minute injury. The team can now focus firmly on the cricket as they look for their first ever series win against Australia on home soil.

Australia were seen sweating over the fitness of their pace spearhead Mitchell Starc over the last few days. But he has been deemed fit to play the third Test which is a major boost for them. Much like their opponents, even the visitors are not expected to tweak their playing XI for this game.

Interesting Points

# Newlands has been a happy hunting group for the Kangaroos. Australia have won 10 out of their 13 Tests at the Newlands cricket stadium. However, the hosts can take heart from the fact that Australia have won just one of their last 3 encounters at Cape Town. South Africa have lost just once in their last 15 Tests here, winning 11 and drawing 3.

# There will be a complete change of match officials for the last two matches. Andy Pycroft of Zimbabwe will take over from New Zealand's Jeff Crowe as match referee, while three English umpires will officiate in the middle and as television umpire.

Key Players

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

It goes without saying that all eyes would be on Rabada when he will step out on the field in Cape Town on Thursday. Moreover, he will have to control his aggression. The youngster would be aware of all the consequences now and would solely want to concentrate on his bowling in this Test. His performance with the ball would most probably determine the fate of this game.

Steve Smith (Australia)

Who would’ve thought Steve Smith will struggle in South Africa after a stellar home season in the Ashes. He has scored only 130 runs in four outings with only a solitary half-century which shows that the hosts have found a way to keep a lid on his run-scoring. Much will depend on how he bats as the Australian team looks entirely different if their captain stays in the middle.

Head To Head

Total matches head-to-head: Played 96, Australia 52, South Africa 24, Drawn 20

Total series head-to-head: Played 26 Australia 16, South Africa 5, Drawn 5

Total matches in South Africa: Played 54, Australia 36, South Africa 8, Drawn 10.

Squads

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis(c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Willem Mulder, Lungisani Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada

Australia squad: Steven Smith(c), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers

Broadcast Details

Timings : 01:30 PM IST

TV : Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Online Streaming : www.sonyliv.com