South Africa vs Australia Preview & Prediction | 3rd Test
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Steve Smith is battling to prove his fitness ahead of Australia’s third and final test against South Africa.
Date/time:
Venue: YesPlay Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa
Weather: Largely dry throughout, with only a slight chance of showers on days one, two and five as temperatures reach highs of 22c.
How to watch: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Willow TV
Will South Africa come from behind to win this Test series?
Open poll and resultsSouth Africa vs Australia prediction
Following South Africa’s stunning innings victory in a rain-affected second Test, all the momentum is with them ahead of the series decider in Cape Town. Widespread changes are expected from Australia after an inexplicable batting collapse that saw them bowled out for 99 and 295 respectively, following South Africa’s 425/9 in the first innings. Nic Maddinson has been dropped, with Matt Renshaw expected to open alongside Travis Head. Cameron Green is likely to return to the starting XI, while there is a big question mark over the fitness of star batter Steve Smith, who is battling a neck issue.
South Africa will be without pace bowler Anrich Nortje, who managed only 3.3 overs in the second Test. Assuming he is replaced by another bowler, Gerald Coetzee is among the names who could get the call. Either way, South Africa head into the third Test in an outstanding position. Their bowling was superb in the second Test and Australia had no answer.
The tourists’ batting line-up has been an issue for a significant period of time, and that was on display in Gqeberha, with the likes of Marnus Labuschagne continuing to struggle. Meanwhile, the world Test champions have firmly hit their stride, so it’s well worth backing South Africa to complete the turnaround and win this third Test.
South Africa vs Australia tip: South Africa to win
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