It’s South Africa’s pace vs Aussie resilience at Gabba

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Pace-packed South Africa’s number one world ranking is on the line in a mouthwatering Test series against an in-form Australia team that starts at Brisbane's Gabba on Friday.

The Proteas, who became the world’s top side after an impressive 2-1 series victory in England earlier this year, are looking to repeat their historic series win in Australia four years ago against Michael Clarke's ageing side.

But the glittering incentive for the home team is that they can usurp South Africa and return to the top of the rankings with victory in the three-Test series, which also includes matches in Adelaide and Perth.
Skipper Graeme Smith said South Africa were taking strength from their first ever series win on Australian soil on their last tour, in 2008-09.

The Proteas will unleash their formidable pace battery, led by Test cricket’s leading pair Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander and backed up by Morne Morkel.
The Gabba pitch traditionally offers early life and bounce, with the South Africans yet to win in three Brisbane visits, the last in 1963.

South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald spiced up the showdown series by declaring his country’s current pace attack the best he had ever seen.

The Proteas also boast a formidable batting line-up featuring the likes of Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy and A.B. de Villiers.

Aussie senior batsman Ricky Ponting has urged his side to embrace the daunting challenge of taking on South Africa, saying the home team, currently ranked third, are within touching distance of the world’s best side.

Australia go into the opening Test without influential all-rounder Shane Watson, who succumbed to a calf injury and was replaced by left-hander Rob Quiney, who will be making his Test debut. But Oz coach Mickey Arthur, who guided SA between 2005 and 2010, said his side remained highly confident of toppling the Proteas despite losing Watson.