If the South African Test touring party to Australia arrived more or
less as expected, it also confirmed a battle of contrasts among the fast
bowlers: South African dependability versus Australian depth.
Among South Africa's travelling 15, there are only four pacemen. The uncapped bowling allrounder Rory Kleinveldt
will back-up the outstanding trio of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and
Vernon Philander, while Jacques Kallis provides his familiar
versatility. The captain Graeme Smith and the coach Gary Kirsten are in
no doubt what their best XI is, and far from fearful that one of their
top three quicks will break down.
Australia's pace planning for the series is far more preoccupied with
depth, likely to include the presence of five quicks, plus Shane Watson,
in training before each match. The seasoned duo of Peter Siddle and Ben
Hilfenhaus can be expected to play in all three Tests, but there will
be rotation beyond them, as James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Pat
Cummins all appear likely to get at least one match against the South
Africans to spread the load among their younger bodies
