Australia to rely on familiar formula in South Africa as they seek to bury demons of 2018 | Geoff Lemon

Geoff Lemon writes that Australia's 2026 Test tour of South Africa mirrors their 2018 visit, relying on a dominant bowling attack alongside an unsettled batting lineup. With Cameron Green injured, selectors face an unconventional choice between Cooper Connolly and Nic Maddinson to fill the vacant batting role, while Matt Renshaw enters as the new opening partner alongside Steve Smith.

Lemon notes that South Africa face comparable challenges, possessing fragile batting while managing pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada's hamstring injury. With both teams leaning heavily on their bowling attacks, the upcoming Test series is framed as a contest likely dictated by low scores and key World Test Championship stakes.