Warning ... South Africa's Johan Botha thinks Australia's lack of Test practice could cost them. Source: AFP
Australia's recent lack of Test match cricket could cost them dearly in the three-game series against South Africa, according to Johan Botha, a player with an intimate knowledge of the cricketing cultures of both countries.
As South Australia captain, Botha - who has represented the Proteas 123 times at Test level and in both limited overs formats - has been charged with reviving the fortunes of the struggling Redbacks.
The 30-year-old has been a part of the South Africa set up since 2005 and last represented his country at the ICC World Twenty20 that concluded earlier this month.
He made his Test debut during his nation's 2-1 series victory on their last tour of Australia in 2008/09, and says South Africa are primed to repeat the historic feat on the back of their win over former world No.1 England.
"For me, South Africa have the edge right now,'' Botha said.
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"They have just come out of playing Test cricket against England a few months ago where they played some great cricket. Australia have been off the Test scene for a while now, for a lot longer than South Africa have been, and that could be key.
"I know South Africa are really keen to pick up from where they were and really prove themselves over here, and Australia might struggle to match that. If South Africa start well, they will be very hard to beat.''
Australia have not played Test cricket since their 2-0 away series win over the West Indies in April, while the battle-hardened Proteas enjoyed a tough 2-0 series win in England as recently as August.
Led by No.3 Hashim Amla, South Africa's dominance with the bat was crucial in that series. And Botha said he expected that to happen again come the first Test in Brisbane starting on November 9.
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"I think the two bowling sides are in great form at the moment, so the team that bats the best will probably come out on top,'' Botha said.
"Both teams have got young fiery bowlers - it is going to be great to see. The wickets are obviously good out here in Australia (for bowling) - it is going to be a battle for the batters.
"You want to get (Ricky) Ponting and (Michael) Clarke in against a newish ball and, if South Africa can get early wickets and get the world-class players in against the new ball when your bowlers are still fresh, that is going to be big for them.''
However, Botha did concede that Australian coach Mickey Arthur, who was heading up the Proteas the last time the two sides met in Australia, could be an important figure for the home side.
"I think Mickey will add some great insights,'' he said.
"He does bring a bit extra. He and (captain) Graeme Smith worked really well together on the last tour here. He was a key for us and it was a very successful tour.''
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