Test Match Fever – Today’s the day we get a sense of the Aussie Tour

The Test series gets underway as the Proteas and Australia play the first of three test matches at SuperSport Park today in what has been billed as one of the year's cricketing highlights between two teams who have a lot to prove.

By Michael Marnewick

There has been no shortage of media hype with quotes, rent-a-quote and opinions all bringing no shortage of controversy to this series, one where South Africa want to prove their status as top ranked test team, while the touring Aussies want to show that they are a force once more after their recent Ashes victory over England.

Australia can climb into second place and knock India into third, should they win the series against South Africa and they will be hoping that all their talking will translate into success. South Africa's status as top ranked side is safe, regardless of the outcome of the series (even a whitewash loss will see them remain on the top of the rankings).

But the Aussies certainly cannot be accused of not backing themselves.

The kings of sledging will do their talking on the field, both with bat and ball, and verbally, as they try to unsettle a Proteas' side without that mental giant (and a handy cricketer too), Jacques Kallis. They will target Graeme Smith and certainly hammer anyone they perceive to be short on mental toughness.

For the Proteas, it's all about preparing for this war of words and taking it in their stride. Building a winning culture throughout the cricketing structure (that includes the T20 and ODI sides) is crucial to winning big tournaments.

Being the regular top Test nation in the world is lovely, but there is something appealing about winning trophies and a limited overs World Cup continues to elude us. This is great preparation for the Cricket World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand next year between February and March.

That competition is not far away and mental preparedness is just as important as the physical component. Winning under pressure – as the South Africans will no doubt encounter in this test series – is key to learning not only to handle pressure, but to thrive in it.

And learning to do so without 'Captain Composure' – Jacques Kallis – is the acid test that hopefully will be answered from today when the Proteas look to find a worthy successor to take his place. Smith, Amla, de Villiers, du Plessis and Peterson all need to step up too and be the pillars that a successful side rests up, while Morkel, Steyn and Philander will provide the firepower with the ball.

Now missing this world class all-rounder means South Africa must become an all-round team. One that can score runs and take wickets. Every time they play.

Today's match is scheduled for a 10.30am start.

The probable sides:

South Africa
Graeme Smith (capt), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers (w/k), Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Ryan McLaren, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel

Australia
Michael Clarke (capt), Chris Rogers, David Warner, Steve Smith, Alex Doolan, Moises Henriques, Brad Haddin (w/k), Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon