Australia is aware of the serious difficulties awaiting it at St George's Park, and assistant coach Matthew Wade warned Australian players to prepare for a 'fiery reception' as Proteas star Kagiso Rabada approaches his return in the second test match, which starts on Sunday.
After a victory in Durban with a score of 214 runs, giving Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, the team trained in Gqeberha on Thursday and Friday. The main goal of the training sessions was to study the local pitch conditions and strengthen Proteas' attack, which is based on quick ball.
Rabada, who missed the first match of the series while completing rehabilitation after a hamstring injury, demonstrated his signature speed and aggression in neighboring training nets—a sight that did not go unnoticed by the Australian camp.
Wade noted Rabada's competitive qualities, stating: 'What stands out about him is his competitiveness. He challenges opponents. He will be in our lineup and will continue to play the entire test match. We really know this. He and Heinrich Nortje can share these short, sharp spells and attack as hard as they want.'
While the hosts expect significant reinforcement in terms of quick bowlers, Australia appears to plan to delay the return of all-rounder Cameron Green to the starting XI. Green resumed light batting practice after a abdominal strain, but Wade confirmed that the second test match comes too soon.
Wade explained: 'Green is here, and he will bat over the next week. I think he probably suits the third match in Cape Town better, but he is starting to move again, which is a very positive sign.'
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who showed the best performance in the lower half of the match—6/49, highlighted how the hard and firm surfaces of South Africa contribute to the development of reverse swing. During a press conference at the ground, he explained: 'If the wicket is hard, firm, deteriorates, and there is little movement of the ball in the seams, you are likely to get this reverse swing.' He added that 'it is better to use a slightly harder ball and a little reverse swing, rather than a lot of reverse swing with a soft ball. It is much easier for the batsman to navigate.'
The physical characteristics of the South African pitches directly influenced Australia's strategic plan during the first match of the series in Kingsmead, where the Australian team systematically opened up the game on the third day.