What the ODIs revealed ahead of the Tests

Australia’s struggles against spin and South Africa’s ability to recover under pressure offer clues ahead of the first Test at Kingsmead. The ball changes colour and the teams take on a different look, but there are lessons from the ODI series that South Africa can take into Friday’s first Test against Australia. The Proteas won the one-day series 2-1. That result guarantees nothing at Kingsmead, although the way the matches unfolded gives both sides something to consider. READ: Markram saves his best for Australia Spin can change the contest Australia twice found themselves in promising positions before South Africa’s spinners intervened. At Kingsmead, Keshav Maharaj took 4-20 and Bjorn Fortuin 2-34 as the Proteas secured a 67-run victory. At the Wanderers, Australia’s opening partnership reached 130 in pursuit of 366, only for spin to disrupt another strong start. South Africa won by 32 runs to secure the series with a match to spare. That strengthens the case for giving spin an attacking role in the Tests. If the surface offers assistance, Maharaj and potentially Simon Harmer could give Australia another difficult examination. The visitors will have more time to work through quiet periods. South Africa would need to sustain the pressure long enough to force mistakes without relying on a climbing required rate. The seamers need to offer more control Australia’s starts also exposed an area the Proteas need to address. Their spinners were repeatedly required to regain control after the visitors had scored freely early in the innings. The red ball and more attacking fields will offer different opportunities, but South Africa still need to make Australia’s top order work for its runs. Watch: Ntini torments Australia’s finest Bavuma has runs behind him The captain’s century at the Wanderers was another encouraging sign. Bavuma and David Miller both reached three figures as South Africa posted 365-9. Bavuma’s task in the Tests will be different, but time in the middle against this opposition is useful preparation. South Africa will want him turning starts into substantial innings and helping partnerships develop around him. Jansen can contribute when the batting is under pressure Marco Jansen’s 75 in the opening ODI showed the value of runs from below the specialist batters. South Africa will need that contribution again if they select an extra bowler and shorten their batting order. Test cricket may require him to defend for longer and absorb spells before attacking. His ability to contribute with the bat nevertheless gives the selectors more options. The ODIs have given South Africa reasons for confidence and areas to improve. The challenge now is carrying the good work into a format where Australia have more time to respond. Photo: Prakash Singh/Getty Images