South Africa and Australia are not taking any chances ahead of the second Test in Durban, ringing in replacements at the first hint of injury.
Doug Bollinger’s stomach problem during the course of the first Test that he did not play has already seen the Australian selectors calling for Brett Geeves’ addition to the side. Ben Hilfenhaus, who debuted in the first Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg and Peter Siddle, who bowled well especially in the second innings in the same game, are both apparently suffering the after effects of their work load.
While Hilfenhaus has been reported with a sore back, Siddle has had past trouble with his left foot which has flared up again. As a precaution, Australia have decided to add Western Australian fast bowler Steve Magoffin to the squad.
While there are still doubts that Australia will include a spinner in their side, meaning that perhaps both Bryce McGain and Nathan Hauritz, will be warming the bench again given Durban’s penchant for swing, pace and bounce, South Africa are not keen to drop their lone spinner Paul Harris.
But they have had trouble with their reserve fast bowler. Lonwabo Tsotsobe will not even come into consideration given his injury, a torn cartilage in his right knee, which will mean he will have to undergo surgery.
He has been replaced by Albie Morne, elder brother of Morne Morkel, although it remains to be seen whether Graeme Smith will want to go the Australian way and go for an all pace attack. The bowlers though would have to pull up their socks after their seeming fitness slipped away after making early breakthroughs in the Australian top order and allowed the inexperienced lower order to make merry.
With a crown to retain and a crown to earn, both teams will be sparring once more in a battle whose suspense has perhaps deteriorated a little after South Africa flattered to deceive in Johannesburg. Can the hosts rally from the defeat? Will Australia find their comeuppance. It will not be long before we find out.
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KP: Problems with all Non- SA Coaches Now?
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EXCLUSIVE: Pics from the South Africa Stables!
Chesterfield Special: Tough Road to Triumph for Proteas
