South Africa vs Australia 2014: Parnell, McLaren likely for Australia Tests

Wayne Parnell’s extra pace might come in handy

Wayne Parnell and Ryan McLaren, who have not been part of South Africa’s Test squad regularly, are expected to be included for the forthcoming Australia series at home. Ryan McLaren has played only one Test match in 2010 against England at Johannesburg where he managed only one wicket.

Parnell, on the other hand, has played three Test matches and claimed five wickets and he too played his last Test match in 2010. However considering the squad and nature of surfaces, only one of them is expected to be in the playing XI.

But South Africa will not consider them as a top order batsman. South Africa would probably go with the combination of seven high-quality batsmen and the No.7 position would be given to an all-rounder. This strategy would certainly strike the right balance to the squad and it also gives Graeme Smith adequate amount of bowling options along with his three frontline seamers and a spinner.

Robin Peterson may feature in the squad as the sole spinner as he has been the consistent spinner for South Africa. Since Australia have a lot of right-handed batsmen, he could prove handy for South Africa at Centurion where the surface is expected to turn from Day three. Imran Tahir, who is the second spinner, will not be part of South Africa’s Test squad as he failed to perform in the first Test against India at Johannesburg. He, however, will continue to play for Highveld Lions in the Ram slam T20 challenge.

South Africa may also consider performances of the batsmen at the domestic level, but they may not be preferred in the playing XI. Stiaan van Zyl has been the highest run-scorer in Sunfoil series, and Beuran Hendricks tops highest-wicket takers list in the Sunfoil series. He has already caught the attention of the selectors and CSA might consider including him for Australia series.

If he is selected, South Africa have only two options. They’ll have to drop a frontline seamer or play with four frontline pacers. Considering the nature of wickets in Centurion, South Africa would probably go with three lead pacers and a spinner. Hendricks may have to wait till the second Test begins at Port Elizabeth.

It will be interesting to see whether McLaren is selected for first Test. The Centurion wicket is beautiful for batting, but early morning on Day one it may offer little assistance for the seam bowlers. Those who have great pace can exploit the wicket. In that case, Wayne Parnell may be selected for first Test. Parnell brings in the extra pace and can match the standards of Morkel. Since Parnell is tall, he can get the extra bounce from the surface which could create problems for Australia.

Also CSA have given extended rest to the key players – Graeme Smith, AB de Villers and Dale Steyn. The trio did not take part in any of the competition and are ready for the challenging series against Australia. While South Africa have no problems with Smith and Steyn’s fitness, AB de Villers available for the Test series is under scrutiny. Although Smith picked up an ankle injury, he may be fit for first Test. The injury doesn’t seem to be severe. The main problem is with AB de Villers.

De Villers is making slow progress after the hand surgery and he may not be fit for the Test series. If he’s advised not to keep wickets, South Africa may slot in Thami Tsolekile as a reserve wicket keeper.