The South Africa versus Australia series kicked off tonight. On a sporting pitch, Australia is 2/36 just after drinks.

Australia overlooked Bryce McGain which was a good decision. Spinners don’t do well at the Wanderers, McGain bowled badly in the warm up match and he deserves some punishment for missing the plane. The selectors inexplicably dropped Doug Bollinger and retained Andrew McDonald. Whatever for? What chance does the team have if the selectors will not even pick the best of an ordinary bunch. At least it moves McDonald down the batting order but it is a very defensive move and rather hard to understand. Australia couldn’t bowl South Africa out. How does selecting three bowlers help?

Glenn Mitchell just suggested that South Africa do not regard Australia with any awe. You don’t say. Australia is fielding three debutants for the first time since 1985. Merv Hughes, Geoff Marsh and Bruce Reid all started in the match before Steve Waugh in the 1985-1986 season. You may recall how low Australian cricket had slumped at that time. I don’t think they are there yet but it makes you think.

Anyway, the score is now 3-38 so I guess that we shall see how the bowlers go fairly soon.