Aus vs South Africa: Amla-Kallis, Last Men Standing

The ongoing test series between Australia and South Africa has confirmed my belief that the SA team has a major advantage over other test-playing nations in having Amla and Kallis in their top, middle order. For nearly a decade, Kallis was anchoring the SA innings alone, time after time, often being the last man standing. With the arrival of Amla, Kallis has found an equally dependable, if not talented, partner. It seems that the Kallis-Amla equation is going to bother test bowlers of all sorts, no matter what kind of pitch or conditions is thrown to these two batting stalwarts. There are a lot of similarities in Amla & Kallis

and the inexperienced Aussie bowling realized that on the first day of the test match. Both of them are ideal, number three batsmen, equipped with a fool-proof technique and the patience to score big. Even Siddle couldn't bounce out this formidable pair and the Aussies don't have a world-class spinner to challenge such batting prowess. The South African team came close to scoring 500 runs in their first innings despite Duminy being sidelined with an injury. This story could unfold a number times during this test match series with the Australians not having any specific strategy or bowler to ensure that Kallis or Amla are sent packing, early in their innings.