SA look to build on miraculous win

After the astounding events in Johannesburg on Sunday, South Africa and Australia could be forgiven for needing a rest but the two sides have little time to relax as they begin an intriguing three-Test series in Cape Town on Thursday.

If South Africa are not bouncing off the walls after their record-breaking win, then there's no hope for them. Chasing down 435 in 50 overs was a true Herculean effort and the significance of the result, and the resulting series win, can hardly be overestimated.

Had they lost the match and the series, they would have been kicking themselves for a missed opportunity, having led 2-0. Australia fought back well to level the series but now, it's anyone's guess as to the effect the defeat will have on them.

Australia favourites
Nevertheless, some things never change, it seems, and the Australians are 4/6 (1.66) to win the series. South Africa are 5/2 (7.50) and the draw is a 7/2 (4.50) chance.

Even before the Johannesburg miracle, the Test series was shaping up to be a fascinating encounter, with Australia, shorn of Glenn McGrath and not at their best, set to face a real test from the home side.

South Africa have won just 15 of 74 Tests against Australia, and their record at home is not that great, either, having triumphed in 10 and lost 20 of their 39 Tests. However, their readmittance to the world scene in 1992 coincided roughly with the emergence of Australia as world-beaters.

Of their past 10 at home against Australia, they have won four and lost just five and they were only beaten 2-1 at home by them last time out, though that was four years ago.

With Jacques Kallis fit again, South Africa are at full strength - a slight worry over an injury to Shaun Pollock aside - while Ricky Ponting's side are still without Glenn McGrath, who will be sorely missed. On the plus side, though, they will be galvanised by the arrival of Shane Warne, while Stuart MacGill may also have a part to play.

Correct score markets
Despite the buoyancy in the South Africa camp, Australia dominate the correct score markets, with a 2-0 win the favourite at just 3/1 (4.00). A 3-0 whitewash is very short at 9/2 (5.50), while 2-1 is an 11/2 (6.50) chance.

However, it's not all Australia as bet365 make the 1-1 draw a 4/1 (5.00) chance. The favourite South Africa victory is a 2-1 win at 9/1 (10.00). A 1-0 win is 110/1 (12.00), a 2-0 victory is 12/1 (13.00) and a 3-0 whitewash 28/1 (29.00).

Venue information
If South Africa are to win the series, they will need a good start and Newlands in Cape Town could be their best chance. Since readmittance, they have won 10 of their 14 matches there, losing just two.

In Durban, venue for the second Test, they have won six, lost just once and drawn six of their 13 Tests, while they have won six, lost four and drawn five at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, where the series could yet be decided.