5 players who need to step up for Australia

The fourth and the final Test between South Africa and Australia has begun today at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The hosts made a raging comeback after losing the first Test to take a 2-1 lead. So far this series had lived up to its expectations with both sides playing hard, but the recent ball-tampering scandal has daunted the spirits of Australian players and their fans. Now ex-captain Steve Smith and ex-vice-captain David Warner were handed one year ban which made things worse for them.

Replacing the likes of Smith and Warner isn’t an easy task and Austalia have their work cut out to level the series under their new captain Tim Paine. With the exit of their two most experienced players, it’s time for the other senior player to step up to the occasion.

Here are the five players who need to deliver for Australia in the fourth Test.

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#5. Tim Paine

From being doubtful of a place in the starting XI during the Ashes to becoming the captain of Australia, Tim Paine has seen everything in the last five months. There is an extra burden on his shoulders now and he must deliver to bring some positive energy back into this dispirited Australian side.

Though Tim Paine doesn’t have the numbers to make a case for himself, he has stuck it out with the tail and added some valuable contributions to the team.

Australia always play hard and aggressive cricket and Paine should try and follow the tried and tested method. The character of the Australian team will be tested and it’s the skipper's responsibility to marshal his troops.

#4. Usman Khawaja

Khawaja is a natural stroke maker and a delight to watch when he gets going. However, he hasn’t repaid the selectors faith on him. The difference between his home and away average isn’t something which he would be happy about, as he averages 59.38 at home and just 24.88 away.

Khawaja’s major troubles come against the turning ball where his technique is found wanting. That’s one of the primary reasons why he is dropped when Australia tour the subcontinent.

The 31-year old must rise to the occasion in the absence of other senior players and prove his mettle as a solid no.3 batsman.

#3. Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh’s career has always been plagued by injuries, and he has found himself in and out of the side more often than not. However, his fortunes changed during the Ashes where he was one of the prime factors behind Australia regaining the Ashes.

His unbeaten knock of 126 in the second Test under testing conditions earned him the man of the match which kick-started things for the 34-year old. He then backed it up with a formidable 156 at Sydney.

However, he couldn’t live up to those reputations in the ongoing series against Australia. Marsh is yet to score a half-century in this series and his lack of contributions to the side has made things tough for Australia.

Marsh, though, will be eyeing to finish the series with a flourish.

#2. Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon has made rapid strides over the last few years and established himself as one of the best off-spinners in the world. He recently went past 300 Test wickets in Capetown, but due to the controversies surrounding the match, his achievement wasn’t celebrated.

Though Lyon has provided some crucial breakthroughs in this series, he hasn’t looked his old self.

The Wanderers pitch isn’t conducive to spin, but the surface offers a lot of bounce. Lyon who has had success at the Gabba which is very similar to the Wanderers knows what he must do on such surfaces.

Australia would be relying heavily on Lyon to deliver in the final Test match.

#1. Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood had a tremendous start to his Test career, and he has very good numbers to back it up. However, the tall fast bowler is struggling with his rhythm in the current Test series and hasn’t lived up to his potential.

The release points of the 27-year old have been fairly wide from the stumps on most of the occasions, which wasn’t the case when he burst onto the international scene. He created a lot of trouble for the batsmen when he came close to the stumps and that’s where he picked up his wickets predominantly.

Though Hazlewood has been economical, Australia would be hoping for a match-winning five-for from him to level the series and end the tour on a high.