SA have work cut out to stem Aussie tide

Despite predictions of stayaways from the Kingsmead and Newlands one-dayers, local fans seem have given vent to their confusion and sense of betrayal over the Hansie Cronje affair by watching the cricket against Australia in overwhelming numbers.

The two sides go into Sunday's one-dayer at the Wanderers with the series square at 1-1, this after Australia's almost perfect bowling performance at Newlands on Friday evening, and there is a feeling that the Aussie juggernaut might just be beginning to gather that old momentum.

It is not difficult to dismiss their defeat in Durban on Wednesday as a minor aberration and it would need a brave fan to put forward a compelling argument - or should that be money? - against an Australian victory on Sunday. They look like the more complete side of the two; they appear to be relatively settled and they have the gifts of too many players - Shane Warne, Mark Waugh and Glenn McGrath - to call on when the action gets hot and nasty.

This line of reasoning, however, might be selling the South Africans short. Gary Kirsten, who has recovered better than expected from the back strain which put him out of the Coca-Cola cup final in Sharjah three weeks ago, has had an influential tournament and there is good reason to expect that he might hold South Africa together yet again.

Jonty Rhodes, too, has looked the part, particularly at Kingsmead where he swatted his way to a quickfire 46 not out. He was missed in India and Sharjah and his ability to scamper his way to a quick thirty before most fans can create another conspiracy theory on the intrigues of the national game is an invaluable asset in a side that desperately needs his energy levels. After 10 one-dayers on tour in India and Sharjah, energy is an issue at the moment and the heroics of South Africa's best-known new father will be invaluable on Sunday.

Another South African who has made a welcome return from a period of absence is the Border fast-bowler, Makhaya Ntini. Ntini impressed former national captain, Cronje, while on duty in Sharjah and he is fast developing the ability to bowl the unplayable ball - as he did against Damien Martyn at Newlands on Friday night.

While Ntini took four wickets at Kingsmead he also conceded 56 runs, a trifle on the high side. Shaun Pollock would have been pleased with the wickets, less so with Ntini's largesse. Should he get the balance right on a pitch that might just have a little more grass on it than it should, Ntini will continue to be in business.

As for the new South African captain, he has yet to impose himself on the series, this despite bowling three priceless maidens at Kingsmead. The last time he played in a one-day international at the Wanderers - against England in February - he bowled immaculately and took five for 20.

Perhaps he can repeat that match-winning performance when he takes the new ball on Sunday.