South Africa, Australia warm up for World T20

Take on each other in three T20Is as they look to finalise playing combinations

DURBAN: South Africa and Australia will be seeking to find their best combinations when they meet in three T20Is, shortly before they travel to India for the World T20.

Australia appear to have more uncertainties. They were beaten 3-0 at home by India in their most recent T20I series and the selectors made several significant changes in picking a squad for South Africa and the global event.

Steven Smith was handed the captaincy, making him the leader in all three formats, while the squad includes three players who are yet to play in a T20I — wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, left-arm spinner Ashton Agar and leg-spinner Adam Zampa.



While Nevill has established himself as Australia’s Test wicketkeeper, Agar, Zampa and fast-bowler Andrew Tye are virtually novices at international level.

Australia have a strong batting line-up, however, although this too could be problematic in terms of deciding on the best combination.

South Africa won two T20Is against England last month and will be strengthened by the return of fast-bowler Dale Steyn and wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.

Steyn played in a club match in Cape Town last weekend and took five wickets for 13 runs in two five-over spells spread over two innings.



Steyn, 32, has missed most of the international season because of a groin injury suffered in the first Test against India in November and a shoulder injury in the first Test against England in December.

He said after his club outing that he had been ready to play for the past three weeks and was eager to get into action against the Australians.

De Kock was rested from the T20 series against England because of what was described as a minor knee injury.

The selectors will have to decide which two out of De Kock, AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla will open the batting. The latter pair effectively won the second match against England with a century partnership. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.