Richards sees the first Test as being the most crucial in the entire series
South Africa batting legend Barry Richards has announced that whoever wins the first Test between the Proteas and Australia will hold all the momentum for the rest of the series.
Richards noted that the series would be “too close to call”, but reiterated the fact that whichever team won the Brisbane Test would probably end up winning the series.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Richards as saying: “If there’s going to be a result, there’s every chance that will be it. Either side can produce that and if they get 1-0 up, you go to Adelaide, which is usually draw material because the track is always pretty good there, and then you’ve got Perth, which is up in the air and anything can happen. If one team is chasing then the other is likely to get a 2-0 [result]. Brisbane is a critical Test match and the side which wins that will probably win the series.”
Richards also stated that Ricky Ponting will be the key man for Australia when they bat since he has all the experience in the world under his belt.
“Is there somebody better? Is someone putting their hand up, averaging the same as him or better in the level below? If there is, I haven’t seen it, last time I saw him he looked pretty fit. As his eyes go he may have to work a little harder for his runs but he’s a smart operator. He might not dominate like he did but I think he’s still got a lot to offer Australian cricket,” Richards added.