Thunderbirds are go!

In a fortnight’s time its all go against Australia and what a way to kick off what promises to be an enthralling season of international cricket. Two hardened rivals who never give an inch will face off initially in the entertainment-driven Twenty20 format, and then move to the one-dayers. Then it gets serious. Part one of the summer culminates with two well drilled outfits clashing in the big stuff, test cricket. It doesn’t get much better than that. Oh wait … it actually should have!

There is no doubt that two sporting giants in the cricketing world deserve to bang heads for at least three tests but sadly only a couple of confrontations await us this time. There is so much at stake when these rivals collide. History has dealt up some remarkably memorable encounters that are firmly etched in our sporting minds and we all deserve more no matter which side of the Indian Ocean we come from. You can be assured that some incredible scrapping will be witnessed in November and mark my words, come the 21st, you will be left eager for more.

Australia are not the side they used to be. However, they are on the rise again and I have no doubt that all that has been going on behind the scenes has galvanised their unit and significantly emboldened their skipper. I wasn’t surprised that they impressively nailed both the one-day and the test series in Sri Lanka. Their collective determination was the hallmark of their performance and nobody should be surprised by that. Individuals, when presented with an opportunity, also cashed in and that is something good teams do. They will arrive in South Africa under the guidance of a new coach, and if my mail is correct and Steve Rixon is the guy, that will further stimulate and motivate them.

Conditions will be completely different in South Africa and the required technical adjustments from sub-continental pitches will initially pose questions. A fiery and potent combination of Steyn and Morkel will look to torch Australia’s top order and that shootout alone will be enough to captivate eyeballs. South Africa have the edge in the bowling department. A new-ball blitz complemented by a newly acquired spin department completes the transition from predictability and adds an exciting dimension. The home team will be refreshed, rejuvenated and raring to go. Some are suggesting they may be a tad undercooked but I don’t subscribe to that theory at all. Team pride, coupled with the intensity of a fiercely determined coaching staff, will ensure that thunderbirds are go!

Australia won’t back down. Neither will South Africa.

What a start to the summer awaits us. Grab a front row seat!