Cricket Bytes

The makeup of his bowling attack is going to be the biggest headache facing Australian captain Ricky Ponting ahead of the second Test against South Africa starting at Kingsmead on Friday.

Two of his three main seamers from the 162-run victory in the first Test in Johannesburg – Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus – are carrying niggles, and two backup bowlers in Brett Geeves and Steve Magoffin have been flown to South Africa as possible replacements.

Hilfenhaus was a debutant in Johannesburg and Siddle was playing in his fifth Test, so even if Australia does have to leave them out and give first caps to Geeves and Magoffin it is not as though they would be losing players with vast experience.

But Siddle (foot injury) and Hilfenhaus (back injury) formed part of a potent attacking trio in Johannesburg, and the Aussies could lose impetus if new faces have to be drafted in.

Australia have two spinners in their squad, but can be expected to opt for four seamers at Kingsmead, a ground where the pitch is renowned for its pace and bounce and where bowlers do get swing.

South Africa did not pick a spinner for their last Test at Kingsmead, against the West Indies in January 2008, which they won by an innings.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur has indicated, though, that the South Africans will almost certainly field the same attack that played at the Wanderers, which means left-arm spinner Paul Harris will play.

“I am not ruling out any option at the moment. It is likely we will play a spinner. We have played a spinner throughout our successful period of 18 months. Our spinner has brought a lot to the party and he has been an integral part of our attack,” said Arthur.

“Overhead conditions will play an important part on the morning of the game. The amount of grass that is taken off the wicket will play quite an important role. I am not ruling out the option (of not picking a spinner) but, if all things stay equal, it is likely that we will play a spinner.”

South Africa have included allrounder Albie Morkel in their squad in place of left-arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who is due to have a knee operation Friday. Morkel has proved a force in limited overs games and his bowling has improved in recent years.

Tsotsobe actually bowled at the Proteas’ practice Wednesday, despite his injury, but Arthur explained that he could break down at any moment: “That is why we want him to have surgery as soon as possible as he has been very impressive since he has joined the national set-up and that way we will get him back as soon as possible. He will have surgery on Friday and will then require a three-month recovery period.”

Mitchell Johnson, despite speaking of soreness and fatigue after the Wanderers victory in which he was named man of the match, will be ready to take on the Proteas again.

Johnson took eight wickets and scored 96 not out in the first Test.

Squads:

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Albie Morkel.

Australia: Simon Katich, Phil Hughes, Ricky Ponting (captain), Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle, Nathan Hauritz, Bryce McGain, Andrew McDonald, Brett Geeves, Steve Magoffin.

Umpires: Asad Rauf (Pakistan) and Billy Bowden (New Zealand).

TV: Steve Bucknor (West Indies).

Fourth umpire: Ian Howell (South Africa).

Match referee: Geoff Crowe (New Zealand).

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