South African series chance to make names

Coach Darren Lehmann believes the tour of South Africa presents a chance for some of Australia's lesser-known cricketers to prove themselves.

The upcoming five-match one-day series against South Africa presents the chance for a new cricket superstar to emerge, according to Australian coach Darren Lehmann.

Australia, who landed in Johannesburg on Wednesday with three uncapped bowlers, have used 28 players in the 26 ODIs since last year's World Cup.

With only three Test stars in the squad for the ODI series in captain Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and allrounder Mitch Marsh, Lehmann believes the tour is a chance for players like uncapped Daniel Worrall, Joe Mennie and Chris Tremain to launch their international career.

"Someone gets to make a name for themselves in a high-quality series," Lehmann said.

"We've got some good young fast bowlers, we'll only know (how they'll handle it) at the end of the series against a quality side.

"We're hoping they step up and we're sure they will. They've got some pace and they swing the ball and they've got some variations."

Despite the high level of player turnover, the Aussies have won 17 of their 26 matches since reclaiming the World Cup last March.

They've also maintained a mammoth 11-point lead over New Zealand at the top of the ICC ODI rankings,

"They handle it very well, they're fantastic at handling it," Lehmann said in reference to the ever-changing line-ups.

"We've given everyone enough game time so looking ahead to major tournaments, we've got Champions Trophy next year and then 2019 (World Cup), we're always looking ahead."

Australia play Ireland in an ODI next Tuesday, before beginning the South African series on September 30.

They will then return to Australia after the final match on October 12, a little over four weeks before the first Test between the same two teams in Perth.

And while captain Smith doesn't believe any real psychological advantage is up for grabs, he indicated there are advantages to be taken from the stand-alone series in South Africa.

"If we're looking at the South African bowling attack, they've got a few guys who I assume will be a part of their Test attack," he said.

"So it gives us a chance to play against them and hopefully get into a bit of a rhythm against them as well."


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Source: AAP



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