South Africa vs Australia | Visitors name playing XI for Durban Test

South Africa vs Australia | Visitors name playing XI for Durban Test

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Ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Durban Australian skipper, Steve Smith has announced the playing XI which is the same as the one used in the final Ashes Test in Sydney. While he has picked three proper pacers in the team, off-spinner Nathan Lyon also finds a place in the final XI.

Australia will take on South Africa in a four-match Test series, with the first Test starting tomorrow at the Kingsmead in Durban. However, Australia have already started their tour on a winning note by beating South Africa A by five wickets in the warm-up match. With the hosts suffering a lot of injury concerns and their players lacking form, which was visible during the India series, Australia can hope to start their campaign on a high. 

"If they have the same line-up as the India Test matches, I think it's a very long tail," Smith said as quoted by Cricket Australia.

"If you can get some early wickets and get into the middle order quickly you might be able to go through them. They're a good side. It's going to be exciting seeing both bowling attacks going at it."

While David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will open the innings, Usman Khawaja and Smith will follow the duo to complete the top order. Both Marsh brothers, Shaun and Mitchell, will follow next with wicket-keeper Tim Paine completing the middle order.

However, more than Australia’s batting, it is their bowling line-up that looks more threatening. The pace bowling unit will be spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, who will have Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood fighting it out for the new ball. 

While Mitchell Marsh will double up as the fourth pacer in the team, Lyon will be the sole spinner in the team.

"Hopefully I can stand up again and lead the boys and get myself in that zone again to have the success against a good bowling attack. Everyone is excited about this series, it's going to be a cracker," Smith said.

Australia XI: David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (c), Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

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