Australia v. Sth. Africa. Test series.

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

Batting woes continue. Pretty disappointing collapse after a promising start. Massive task to rebound next week, SA will be chock full of confidence. Does Watto come back in?

[piedys]

[Big T]

Bring back Warney.

[piedys]

[Big T]

Clarke an his big mouth cronies will crumble quicker than a cracker in the desert in the third.

[Donny]

Cricinfo.

Team news.

Alviro Petersen is expected to return after missing the Port Elizabeth Test due to a virus, which would mean Dean Elgar would likely shift down the order and Quinton de Kock would make way. A change to the attack is also required due to Wayne Parnell's groin strain and Rory Kleinveldt might be favoured over Kyle Abbott and Ryan McLaren. There is a good chance the spin duties will again be shared by the part-timers Elgar and JP Duminy.

South Africa (possible) 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Alviro Petersen, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Faf du Plessis, 5 AB de Villiers (wk), 6 Dean Elgar, 7 JP Duminy, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Rory Kleinveldt, 11 Morne Morkel.

After missing the first two Tests with a calf injury, Shane Watson is expected to return to Australia's line-up for the series decider, adding a valuable extra bowling option and slotting in at No. 6. Shaun Marsh will miss out with Alex Doolan staying in team - Inverarity confirmed as much at training on Friday*. There is a question mark over the attack after the fast men endured a heavy workload in Port Elizabeth. Ryan Harris in particular has struggled for impact and James Pattinson may be considered to add some freshness to the bowling group.

Australia (possible) 1 Chris Rogers, 2 David Warner, 3 Alex Doolan, 4 Michael Clarke (capt), 5 Steven Smith, 6 Shane Watson, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Ryan Harris/James Pattinson, 10 Peter Siddle, 11 Nathan Lyon.

Pitch and conditions

A dry pitch is expected in Cape Town, where the weather has been very hot and windy in the lead-up to the Test. Groundsman Evan Flint has the challenge of ensuring there is enough moisture in the surface to prevent it from breaking up too early, but whatever the case, batting last will not be easy. There are some showers expected during the match, with the third day shaping as the most likely to be affected.

Stats and trivia
'

If South Africa win in Cape Town it will be their first series win at home against Australia since 1970 - they have lost four and drawn two since their readmission

Australia will finish the series second on the ICC's Test rankings if they win or draw in Cape Town, but third if they lose - South Africa cannot be budged from first

Australia have lost their past two Cape Town Tests but prior to that had an excellent record there, having won nine of the previous ten Tests they had played there

[Donny]

Starts tonight, our time.

7.30 (EDT)

[Johnno75]

Aussies won the toss and are batting. Pitch looks like it has some decent bounce and carry.

A big first innings boys and set the test up.

[Donny]

Australia won the toss and elected to bat.

0/26. Warner 14*, Rogers 12*.

[Donny]

0/43. Dave Warner 27*, Chris Rogers 16*.

[Donny]

50 up.

0/60.

Warner 36*, Rogers 24*.

[Johnno75]

Great start 1/118 at lunch.

Warner 75*

The run rate is over 4.5, that is the value of Warner.

Best start to a 1st innings since the Adelaide test.

[Donny]

2/158. Rogers 25, Doolan 20.

Warner 100*, Michael Clarke 8*.

[Donny]

3/225. Warner 135.

Clarke 33*, Smith 4*.

[Donny]

3/308. Clarke 73*, Smith 46*.