The first Test in Durban is more than a clash between two old rivals. South Africa go to Kingsmead with distinct questions to themselves regarding what their side will look like in the future and the same applies to Australia.
South Africa have had to call upon an alternative to their trusted pace bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was ruled out with a hamstring issue. There is now a void for him and the significance of being able to have a bowling unit that can perform without its go-to strike bowler.
One of the most obvious examples of that is the selection of Nortjé. He is coming back to a Test side after over three and a half years since his last appearance, but he was always an integral part of South Africa’s limited-overs squad.
Another interesting aspect of their spin resources is that the hosts have decided to reveal what they call the “God’s Plan” in a different way. Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer are both in the mix, indicating that South Africa are not going for the same plan to go for pace only.
Australia are entering a transition of their own. They are a team of eight players over 35 years old, which is an odd mix of veterans and those who will have to fill a lot of shoes.
Australia is still relying on Nathan Lyon, who is close to 39 but is still at the heart of their plans. His presence is a testament to the visitors’ reliance on experience in Test cricket, having players who have been playing for several years.
A progressively challenging schedule will put that experience to the test. Australia will face South Africa, India and England in the next 12 months in Test cricket but senior players’ management is one of the bigger aspects of the broader campaign.
Injuries have also thrown a spanner into the works for their immediate plans. Former all-rounder Cameron Green missed the ODI series after sustaining a blow to the abdomen, while Josh Inglis is out with a broken finger. Those absences have given other players on the team a chance to shine, such as Beau Webster and Alex Carey.
The matchup also has some historical significance, but the fateful match from 2018 is a long time ago now for the teams. Its intensity hasn’t changed, although the vitriol that used to circle around the fixture is gone to a great extent.
The last big Test clash was quite a different story. Last year, South Africa beat Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s last year in a match which was played without the same level of bitterness between the two sides which was seen before.
If Kingsmead can give more of a hint at the direction these sides are going, it will be another. South Africa are continuing to use the depth behind their tried and tested superstars, and Australia are getting the big boys in the middle to perform a bit as they bring up the young ones.
The first Test kicks off on October 9 and is likely to play out at a slower pace due to the surface in Durban. It may become more crucial as the game progresses to later stages in South Africa’s choice of two specialist spinners.
