Australia and South Africa will lock horns in the One-Off Test at the W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth. The 4-day red-ball Test kicks off on the 15th of February 2024 and commences at 8:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). It is to be noted that while Australia last played a Test in December ’23, South Africa’s dates back to June 2022.
Squads:
Australia – Alyssa Healy (C), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloé Tryon, Delmi Tucker
Players to watch out:
Beth Mooney
The 30-year-old keeper-batter, averaging 34.09, has accumulated 375 runs, including the highest of 85, from 11 Test outings. Beth has been in extraordinary form lately, as has this series, registering successive scores of 82, 52*, 0, and 82*. In the December India Test, she registered scores of 40 and 33, and it’ll be hoped she steps up with another significant score.
Ashleigh Gardner
The 26-year-old all-rounder, from 9 Test outings, has picked up 21 wickets, including the best of 12/16, at an economy rate of 2.71 and also scored 216 runs. Ashleigh hasn’t been at her best with the bat this series, but it’ll be expected she regains her touch while continuing her rewarding bowling form. She’ll be banked upon for the goods.
Marizanne Kapp
The 34-year-old all-rounder, from 2 Test appearances, has amassed 212 runs, including the highest of 150 while maintaining an economy rate of 1.81. Marizanne has been in outstanding form this series, registering three successive fifties, while also being amongst the wickets. Her all-round efforts will remain crucial for the team’s success.
Nadine de Klerk
The 24-year-old all-rounder had a quiet Test debut against England; however, she is a promising all-rounder and will be counted on to deliver. Nadine, this series, has registered successive scores of 20*, 18, 14, and 20, and it’ll be expected that she capitalizes on them, while continuing her bowling form, which sees her with a minimum of a wicket in each outing.
Pitch:
The W.A.C.A. Ground is likely to be a traditional one that will favor the pacers early on, and as the Test progresses, it’ll flatten out to a batting deck. The average score at the venue is in the 220s, meaning there’ll be enough in it for bowlers, both pacers and spinners, while batters also find delight in this wicket.
Weather:
The conditions at the W.A.C.A. Ground are expected to be pleasant for cricket, with no anticipated rain interruptions and clear sunny skies throughout the 4 days of the Test. The temperature will hover in the late 30s (°C), with moderate winds and humidity in the 40s.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath, Phoebe Litchfield, Marizanne Kapp, Ashleigh Gardner, Chloé Tryon, Annabel Sutherland, Nadine de Klerk, Kim Garth
Match details:
Date – February 15-18, 2024
Time – 8:30 AM IST
Venue – W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth
Broadcast – The game will be telecasted by Star Sports and live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.