Can Graeme Smith's men win both of these series ?

[George.Hinton]

1) The upcoming series against England
2) Then the biggie: six tests against the arch-enemy Australia this Southern hemisphere summer.
Been the dream of RSA cricket ever since readmission to beat Australia in a series.

South Africa were thrashed by Australia 5-1 in 2001-2002 nd 5-0 in 2005/2006 but I think it will be closer, much closer this time.
South Africa's key will be their batting. If their batting fires, they should be too good for England and it will give them a real chance against Australia.....the saffies certainly have the bowling to shake up Australia.

[sanga1337]

1) They should win IMO. Definitely got a superior bowling attack to England and probably better batting lineup as well.

2) No... I do think it will be closer though. Can't wait to watch Steyn bowl to the Aussies

[Richard]

They should win in England - same as they should have in 1994, 1998 and 2003, and didn't. That something which should have happened 3 times hasn't doesn't mean it will a 4th, or anything close to, but equally it means you don't take it for granted any more.

They also have an excellent chance against Australia - as, once more, they did in 2001/02 and 2005/06 (and 1996/97/98 too FTR). But they buggered that up big-time. A few different things went wrong in the former series, but in the latter the problem was almost exclusively dropped catches. You cannot drop anywhere near as many catches as that and expect to beat Australia unless you have inswing bowlers of the highest class (as England did in 2005).

If they want to win more Tests than they lose in the six-match home\away thing this winter, they'll have to catch well. And then worry about the rest.

BTW - merge? Seems people have a liking for asking how SA will go in their next series or two recently.

[Jakester1288]

They have a good chance of beating Australia tbh. They will be two really good, close series imo. Shame I won't be able to watch Australia V South Africa.

[sanga1337]

Originally Posted by Richard

They should win in England - same as they should have in 1994, 1998 and 2003, and didn't. That something which should have happened 3 times hasn't doesn't mean it will a 4th, or anything close to, but equally it means you don't take it for granted any more.

They also have an excellent chance against Australia - as, once more, they did in 2001/02 and 2005/06 (and 1996/97/98 too FTR). But they buggered that up big-time. A few different things went wrong in the former series, but in the latter the problem was almost exclusively dropped catches. You cannot drop anywhere near as many catches as that and expect to beat Australia unless you have inswing bowlers of the highest class (as England did in 2005).

If they want to win more Tests than they lose in the six-match home\away thing this winter, they'll have to catch well. And then worry about the rest.

BTW - merge? Seems people have a liking for asking how SA will go in their next series or two recently.

Agreed. On paper South Africa has a stronger team then England, at the same time it wouldn't surprise me if England win given South Africa often underperforms, when everyone thinks they should win.

[morgieb]

Ovb. South Africa will win against England and I think they can beat Australia, but that is 2 different things and I doubt they will win. It'll be closer than previous series, tho.

[morgieb]

Originally Posted by Jakester1288

They have a good chance of beating Australia tbh. They will be two really good, close series imo. Shame I won't be able to watch Australia V South Africa.

TBH why can't you watch Australia v SA.