Australia vs South Africa: Current combined Test XI

#8 Vernon Philander

Philander forms a great bowling attack with the rest of the team

One of the opening bowlers has to be the immaculate Vernon Philander. Philander thrives on a regularity basis by hitting consistent lines. His ability to plug away outside the off-stump through the day makes him a major strike force. The nagging line has seen him become a top bowler in world cricket.

Australia will remember him all too well as he picked a five-wicket haul when they were bowled out for an embarrassing 47. Philander is the perfect foil to Steyn and Morkel, whose traits are totally in contrast to his. Despite bowling at an average pace, Philander has managed to trouble the best of batsmen with nip. He is also a decent batsman to have in the tail.

#9 Mitchell Starc

The sensational pace bowler has been the talk of the fast bowling circle in recent times. His ability to shape the ball late at pace makes him a dangerous customer with the new ball. Starc has been Australia’s go-to bowler since the retirement of Mitchell Johnson and should lead the attack after an injury layoff.

Starc did his best to help Australia in Sri Lanka with his accurate Yorkers and late swing. He also has the ability to make the old ball talk in reverse. The threat he poses is huge for a South African batting line-up without AB De Villiers. South Africa are also yet to face a rejuvenated Starc in Test cricket.

#10 Dale Steyn

The first change bowler, only first change because of his vast experience, Dale Steyn, is a mountain to contend with if the opening bowlers are Starc and Philander. The no.1 Test bowler is a brilliant athlete and bowls perfectly shaped outswingers. He can be a menace with the old ball too, as the South African is a brilliant exponent of the art of reverse swing.

The Aussies will remember his terrific spell with the old ball when they last toured South Africa. The quick bowler is not one to shy away from a battle and rises to the occasion most times. Australia can expect to see a lot of Steyn in this series if he manages to stay fit right through.

#11 Nathan Lyon

The spinner in the combined XI is the consistent but threatening, Nathan Lyon. He has been a relief for Australia after a period of spinner-hunting since Warne's retirement. Lyon's height and quick action makes him a quality off-spinner.

While the pitches in Australia do not really encourage spin, Lyon has had a decent time in home turf. He can tie an end down and also pick the breakthrough wickets. While I suspect Tabraiz Shamsi to give him a close run if a combined XI were to be named after the series, for now, Lyon holds the aces.