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One of the fiercest rivalries in world cricket resumes on Wednesday when Australia begin their tour of South Africa in earnest as the first test of a two match series gets underway in Cape Town.
Australia are undergoing something of a resurgence under the captaincy of Michael Clarke ever since the talented batsmen took over the reins from former skipper Ricky Ponting, guiding the baggy Greens to wins against Sri Lanka in both test cricket and in the ODI format and Bangladesh and South Africa in the 50 over game in recent months.
Australia emerged victorious in the recent ODI series between the two sides, claiming a 2-1 win thanks to a three wicket victory in the final game of the series after the two-match T20 series had ended all square.
South Africa won the last series in Australia with a 2-1 scoreline while the Aussies beat the Proteas by the same scoreline on the return tour, and one mane who will be keen to prove his worth against the South Africans is Phil Hughes, who forged his reputation on African soil over two years ago but has floundered since.
Hughes hit two centuries against the Proteas in his maiden test series back in 2009 but has struggled since, particularly in England, and only made his third test century in the recent successful series against Sri Lanka. He looks set to get his chance to put South Africa to the sword as opener alongside the in-form Shane Watson, with rival opener Simon Katich out of the picture.
Shuan Marsh is also likely to get the nod at the vital position of number three, ahead of veteran Ponting. Marsh made the spot his own with an impressive 141 on debut against Sri Lanka and was able to keep hold of the spot when Ponting returned to action.
South Africa look set to welcome back AB De Villiers into the team after the wicketkeeper batsman recovered in time from the hand injury he suffered while on duty with the Royal Bangalore Challengers in the Indian Premier League earlier this year. Jacques Rudolph gets his first call up in five years having impressed at domestic level, with Alvaro Peterson the one to miss out.
Having missed the opportunity to captain the side during the ODI and T20 series against Australia with his injury, De Villiers will have to wait until next year before leading his country out having been named captain of the South African side in the shorter formats with Graeme Smith coming back to skipper the test side.
Match Winner
Given their home advantage on pitches they are familiar with, South Africa just edge the betting for the short test series, although predictably the betting is close. Australia have an excellent record against the Proteas but, with their prolonged period of dominance well and truly over, the home side will fancy their chances.
South Africa are 2.63 (13/8) to claim a precious victory in the first test match at Newlands with StanJames while BetFred have the tourists at 3.25 (9/4) to secure the win.
The draw is best placed at 3.00 (2/1) with Ladbrokes.
Top Australian batsman
Australia have found their feet since the demoralising Ashes defeat at the turn of the year, and with plenty of their batsmen finding form the leading Baggy Green run scorer should be an interesting market.
Shane Watson was in the runs in the warm up matches and represents good value at 5.50 (9/2) with StanJamesto lead the way. With Ricky Ponting looking likely to miss out on a spot it is best to leave the tempting odds of 5.00 (4/1) from BetFred well alone, with Shuan Marsh an option to back at 6.00 (5/1) with SkyBet given his outstanding form of late.
Recommended bets
Top South African bowler, Dale Steyn, 3.50 (5/2) Paddy Power
Australia opening partnership, over 29.50: 1.83 (5/6) SkyBet
