20 Oct 2012

Lack of test cricket could cost Aussies

11:02 am on 20 October 2012

Australia's recent lack of Test match cricket could cost them dearly in the three-game series against South Africa, according to Johan Botha, a player with an intimate knowledge of the cricketing cultures of both countries.

The South Australian captain represented the Proteas 123 times at Test level and in both limited overs formats.

The 30-year-old has been a part of the South African set up since 2005 and last represented his country at the World Twenty20 that concluded earlier this month.

He made his Test debut during his nation's 2-1 series victory on their last tour of Australia in 2008/09, and says South Africa are primed to repeat the historic feat on the back of their win over former world No.1 England.

He says South Africa have the edge while Australia have been off the Test scene for a while.

Australia have not played Test cricket since their 2-0 away series win over the West Indies in April, while the battle-hardened Proteas enjoyed a tough 2-0 series win in England as recently as August.