Aus record lately on any track that swings or seam doesn't inspire confidence either.
That's the whole point though.. If you know that the conditions will be bowling friendly, then why do you need an extra bowler? It will add no apparent benefit and only weaken the batting depth in conditions where extra 40 runs can decide the fate of the game.
Awta. Not a fan of five bowlers. None of the champion teams from the past have ever needed 5 front line bowlers. I sure as hell wouldn't play 6 batsmen vs Oz's potent attack.
Would Steyn be back? I'd say both attacks are about even without him
Well then would they drop Ingidi?
Without Steyn Australia has a better attack if only because Lyon is better than Maharaj. With Steyn South Africa has the better attack. Either way the gap isn't huge.
Philander is better than Hazelwood; Rabada has arguably been the best fast bowler in the world the last 12 months. Morkel is bowling better than he ever has. While I rate the Aus bowling attack, I don't think you could say that they are about even, SA definitely has an edge even without Steyn.
What makes you say that? Lyon is more experienced than Maharaj but I don't think he is outright better. Maharaj was SA's second highest wicket taker in 2017, and has been doing a brilliant job. Last time they both bowled on the same pitch Maharaj outbowled Lyon in Perth (not counting Hobart game since speedsters where enough for SA). Particularly considering Maharaj will have home field advantage.
Why?
He isn't, not based on stats alone. Lyon though has gone through the peaks & troughs, has hit a purple patch of late & seems to be doing well consistently. Maharaj just started his career, we're yet to see his peak or trough, more importantly we'll see if he can emerge relatively unscathed after an extended rut - like Lyon. The next 4-5 years should be a good contest between them, Keshav does have an enormous edge with the bat though.
This 100%.
