The first test of the 2016-17 summer between Australia and South Africa starts this Thursday, and we have you covered with a full preview and tips for the match. Be sure to check out our cricket betting tips for more info on the South African tour as well as all the domestic action.
The WACA will play host to the match against the South Africans starting on the 3rd of October at 1.30pm ET. The Australian side was announced on Friday with a few notable inclusions. Shaun Marsh gets the nod over Joe Burns to open the batting, while veteran quick Peter Siddle will most likely play as the Aussies' third quick over surprise selection Joe Mennie. Mennie edged out Jackson Bird for the final spot on the squad after a stellar Australia A series in Queensland recently. He was also the leading wicket taker in the Sheffield Shield competition last year. Mennie will likely have to wait to be awarded his baggy green however, with Siddle being the consensus pick to play.
Talk going into the WACA Test as always, revolves somewhat around the decision as to whether or not Australia will play four quicks, or stick to three and a spinner. The addition of Mitch Marsh in the team allows Australia to go into the game with four genuine pace options, leaving a spot for spinner Nathan Lyon. The final team will be announced on Thursday morning. Left armer Mitchell Starc will be looking to capitalise on what has been an outstanding year that cemented his spot in the upper echelon of Test bowlers.
Faf du Plessis will captain a South African side that looks fairly cemented, however, their plethora of fast bowling options creates one selection dilemma. Arguably the world's premier quick Dale Steyn will be a sure fire starter, along with running mate Vernon Philander. We wont know who will join those two until Thursday morning however, with 21-year-old Phenom Kagiso Rabada pushing for selection ahead of veteran Morne Morkel, who missed the recent New Zealand tour through injury. Rabada could pose a huge threat to Australia on a bouncy WACA wicket, with the energetic youngster regularly clocking in at 140-150km at almost two metres tall.
A factor that is easily overlooked when discussing the outstanding bowling attacks of both of these sides, is the temperamental Australian batting order and their ability to crumble. Their performances in Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan in the past two years proves their weaknesses on pitches that offer something to the bowler, however, Australian batsmen consistently dominate on home soil, being undefeated in their last 18 Test matches in Australia. Their last series loss at home came at the hands of the Proteas in 2012.
Although I tipped Australia to win the series 2-1 in a previous article, I think the Perth Test is the one the South Africans will win given the strength of SA’s quicks on a pitch that is traditionally favourable towards fast bowlers. Australia's last two losses at the WACA have come at the hands of the Proteas, anf if Steyn and co. can make early inroads then I see South Africa stealing this Test.
TIP: South Africa to win - $3.05 at CrownBet
If Australia do manage to win this Test match, I think it will be on the back of one player, Mitchell Starc. You have to take 20 wickets to win a Test match, and Starc has proven time and time again that he is Australia’s strike bowler who can be counted on to take wickets consistently. A decent hedge on your South Africa H2H bet might be Starc to win Man of the Match.
TIP: Mitchell Starc to win Man of the Match - $8 at CrownBet
Hashim Amla has played two Tests the WACA. In those Tests he has scored 306 runs at an average of 76.75. Crownbet offers player performance markets, where players accumulate a points total throughout the match for batting, bowling and fielding. 1 run = 1pt, wicket = 20pts, catch = 10pts
TIP: Hashim Amla player points over 90.5 - $1.88 at CrownBet
Follow @andyrosos on Twitter
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
