South Africa vs Australia 2018: 5 milestones to look forward to in the Test series

With India's tour of South Africa coming to an end, it is now Australia who will be countering the South African challenge up next. Both the teams are all set to go head-to-head from Thursday in Durban.

The Proteas have Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, and new sensation Lungi Ngidi in their squad for the opener, while Dale Steyn could return from injury for the third Test.

Australia, meanwhile, will be ready to unleash their Ashes-winning seamers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, with quality off-spin being unfurled by Nathan Lyon.

Let us have a look at five milestones that are expected to be in the business all through the South Africa-Australia Test series.

---

#5 Hashim Amla taking-off for new milestone

Hashim Amla is one of the finest Test cricketers out there

One man who has been a threat to Virat Kohli's records is Hashim Amla. The 34-year-old stylish batsman from South Africa has been setting milestones all through his career.

With the South Africa-Australia Test series on the cards, Hashim Amla is on the verge of yet another milestone. The South African batsman has so far scored 8786 Test runs at an astonishing average of 49.08. Hashim Amla needs 214 more runs to complete 9000 runs in Test cricket.

Amassing these 214 runs, Amla will become the only third player in the history of South African cricket to score 9000 or more runs in Test cricket. He also needs just one catch to become just the fourth Proteas fielder to have 100 Test catches.

#4 Nathan Lyon not far away from 300 Test wickets

Huge milestone ahead for Nathan Lyon

The groundsman turned cricketer from New South Wales has been one of the best off-spinners in the history of Australian cricket. Interestingly, Nathan Lyon is only the second Australian to take a wicket on the very first ball of an international career.

The off-break veteran has so far featured in 74 Tests and has taken 290 wickets at a decent average of 31.65. Lyon needs ten more wickets to reach the landmark of 300 Test wickets. Taking these ten wickets, Lyon will become only the sixth player in the history of Australian cricket to take 300 test wickets.

#3 Steve Smith scaling new heights as a captain

Steven Smith would relish the South African challenge

The unorthodox yet effective player from Australia is currently the best Test batsman in the world. Having dominated the batting charts, Steven Smith is on the brink of yet another milestone but this time as a captain.

If Australia under the tutelage of Smith manages to win the Test series against South Africa, then it will be first ever Test series win for Smith as a captain against South Africa. He is also just 81 runs away from becoming fastest Australian batsman to score 10000 runs in International cricket. With his current form, he might very well reach

#2 Vernon Philander on the verge of new milestone

Few Test bowlers are as fierce as Vernon Philander

When conditions are in his favour, Vernon Philander is probably the most dangerous bowler to face. With the gift of accuracy and the ability to nibble the ball off its seam, he has become South Africa's most reliable weapon with the red cherry.

The South African quickie has so far featured in 50 Tests and has taken 188 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 21.86. Philander needs twelve more wickets to complete the figure of 200 wickets in Test matches. Scalping these twelve wickets, Philander will become the only seventh bowler in the history of South African cricket to take 200 plus wickets in Test cricket.

#1 Morne Morkel to retire on a high?

Morne Morkel would be looking to end his career on a high

The lanky fast bowler from South Africa is all set to retire from international cricket after the Test series against Australia. Morne Morkel would like to make most of his last tourney and would want to retire with a milestone achieved.

The paceman has so far played 83 Test matches and has taken 294 wickets at an excellent average of 28.08. Morne Morkel is just six wickets away from a landmark of 300 Test wickets. Six more wickets and he will become only the fifth South African bowler to amass 300 Test wickets.