A Boxing Day Test at the MCG is more than a cricket match Down Under
Following the harrowing defeat in the first Test on a poorly prepared pitch in Brisbane, the onus will once more be on the Proteas batters to find a way to score runs on what many hope will be a less spicy MCG track.
Jofra Archer back in powerful England squad for ODI series against Proteas
Jofra Archer has been recalled to the England squad for the three-match One-Day International series against South Africa, which will be played next month.
Proteas batters require more focus at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Proteas hope batting conditions in Melbourne will be better than Brisbane, but it’s still going to require more from them in the second Test against Australia.
Proteas’ Khaya Zondo would just like a Test he plays in to last at least three days
While not wanting to read too much into what kind of pitch South Africa and Australia will encounter for the historic Boxing Day Test next week, Khaya Zondo said he’d just be happy if the match made it to a third day.
Proteas take a two-day break as dark cloud continues to hang over batting
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia, the Proteas have been given a two-day break as a cloud continues to hang over the team’s batting.
Australia victory over Proteas marred by poor pitch
To be fair to him, the Gabba’s curator, David Sandurski, wasn’t happy with the pitch that he and his staff provided.
Kagiso Rabada laments failures of Proteas batters after first Test loss to Australia
Kagiso Rabada took eight wickets in the first Test against Australia that finished on Sunday with the home team triumphant, although their pursuit of 34 saw them lose four wickets.
Plays of the Match: Short, but not so sweet first Test for Proteas at the Gabba
IOL Sport’s Stuart Hess looks at the Plays of Match during the first Test between the Proteas and Australia at the Gabba, which ended after just two days with a six-wicket win for the home side.
‘34 wickets in two days . . . ’ Dean Elgar slams green Gabba pitch after two-day finish
The record shows the Proteas lost by six wickets, but all the focus afterwards was on the Gabba surface, with captain Dean Elgar saying he asked the umpires whether the pitch could be deemed dangerous.
Gabba’s ‘green mamba’ firmly in spotlight as Australia roll Proteas in two days
It didn’t cause any physical danger for batters, but the Gabba pitch was hopelessly too favourable for the bowlers and rendered a competitive contest between Australia and the Proteas impossible.
Plays of Day 1: Khaya Zondo’s catch, Anrich Nortje wonder ball can’t save batsmen’s blushes
IOL Sport’s Stuart Hess looks at the Plays of Day 1 of the first Test between the Proteas and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.
‘Window is open’ for Proteas despite another batting disaster, says Kyle Verreynne
Proteas top-scorer Kyle Verreynne explained that despite the heavy grass covering on the pitch, the surface was good for batting and held no demons.
Batting calamity . . . Proteas wilt again on the green, green grass of the Gabba
By the end of the eleventh over - on a green Gabba track - four of the Proteas’ top five batters were back in the changeroom with only 27 runs, Australia running riot. ro
Mitchell van Buuren, Dominic Hendricks tons propel Lions to top of CSA One-Day Cup table
Mitchell van Buuren and Dominic Hendricks provided the backbone for another prodigious Lions effort ensuring that the Knights’ awful bowling was punished.
Proteas to go with five bowlers for first Test against Australia
The Proteas on the eve of the opening match of the three Test series, captain Dean Elgar hinted strongly that the tourists would use a 6-5 batter/bowler split.
Proteas should judge Australia on their deeds, not their words
Proteas captain Dean Elgar expects a feisty Test series when they face Australia in the first of three matches starting on Saturday.
To sledge or not to sledge - Warner - that is the question for the Proteas
The once pugnacious David Warner, has been at the centre of a swirl of controversy this season, while his poor form with the bat has also led to speculation that his future in the Test format could be on the line.
Temba Bavuma firmly in the spotlight as Proteas prepare to battle Australia
While David Warner is firmly in the spotlight in Australia, it’s the same for the Proteas vice-captain, although in Temba Bavuma’s case he’s not had to concern himself with his wife or manager sprouting stuff on radio.
Another hundred for Rickelton gives Lions easy win in One Day Cup
Ryan Rickelton scored another century as the Lions beat the North West Dragons in their One Day Cup game at the Wanderers on Wednesday.
Five areas of interest ahead of the Proteas’ Test series against Australia
IOL Sport’s Stuart Hess looks at a few areas of interest ahead of the first Test between South Africa and Australia, starting in Brisbane on Saturday.
Steve Smith wary of variety in Proteas bowling attack
Steve Smith, who took over as captain for the second Test against the West Indies last week, with Pat Cummins absent due to injury, was full of praise for the Proteas bowling attack, particularly the pace and variety thereof.
Rickelton, spurred on by Australia omission, to keep making runs for the Lions
Ryan Rickelton, along with Western Province’s Tony de Zorzi, are the two inform batters on the domestic circuit but for Rickelton, his omission from the Proteas touring squad for the three Test series Down Under, hurts.
High-flying Ryan Rickelton piles on the runs for Lions in dominant performance against Rocks
The 26-year-old left-hander Ryan Rickelton has seemed determined to make the national selectors look foolish for omitting him from the Proteas squad that is currently in Australia.
WATCH: Temba Bavuma’s vigil a source of comfort to him and Proteas
Although he scored just 28, the Proteas’ vice-captain, Temba Bavuma spent valuable time at the crease on Sunday ahead of the first Australia Test.
Grandpa batters have something to prove for Proteas Down Under
South Africa has won each of its last three series’ Down Under, and the current team should feel they are capable of matching the achievement of the 2008/09, 2012/13 and 2016/17 sides.