Australia Cricket News: Australia vs South Africa Tri-Series Final - Preview

An inevitable final clash between Australia and South Africa will be witnessed today at Harare. Fans have long expected the season to end like this despite the earlier upsetting defeat to the Aussies. South Africa has been resolute in displaying their ruthlessness in the field when they defeated Zimbabwe on Thursday. Moreover, their most productive cricketer, JP Duminy, will undoubtedly shine through once again in Saturday's finale. Sports enthusiasts have always regarded South Africa as one of their favorites due to the consistency of the performance of their key players, especially in crucial matches.

On the other hand, Australia is buoyed by their win against the same team on Tuesday. Without their captain, Australia is expected to become a weaker unit. However, it is interesting to note that the team lost a match when Michael Clarke captained them. He later flew back to Sydney for the treatment of his aggravated knee injury inflicted during the team's match against Zimbabwe. This makes the middle order a weak, as well as adds pressure to the other players including a frustrated Philip Hughes. Moreover, Steve Smith is attempting to prove a point following an excellent Ashes series last year and his captain's praise a week ago.

There are rumours that Morne Morkel is also encountering a cuff tear and will be available for the match only after he passes a fitness test. The Proteas camp also appears to be hoping for improved running from Hashim Amla, who has been seen to have good starts and reliable performance. Quinton de Kock's form has also gone unnoticed after Faf du Plessis blitzed three tons in four matches at the number three spot.

Mitchell Marsh mesmerized quite a few of his critics and seems to be eager to repeat his notable performance from the game on Tuesday. He has hit Dale Steyn and Ryan Mclaren for three sixes each in a single match. This feat is remarkable because no other batsman has been able to hit a six at Steyn and Mclaren during the entire series.

George Bailey, the Australian captain, is ready for the team's encounter with the Proteas camp. He is said to aim at taking advantage of their thin batting line. "I think they'll have to pick another bowler, which hopefully will leave their batting a little thin, if we can get a couple of early wickets and try and get into the middle to late order," Bailey said as reported by Cricinfo. It is going to be an exciting finale as both teams are eager to gain recognition and build confidence for the World Cup in 2015.