6 not-so-obvious key players in the Proteas and Aussie series

When the Proteas take on Australia in what promises to be a thrilling four-match Test series starting on Thursday, there will be obvious names that stand out for their importance.

Visiting skipper Steve Smith will need to be stopped from continuing scoring an avalanche of runs; AB de Villiers will need to convert brilliant 80s into hundreds; Kagiso Rabada and Mitchell Starc will lead the respective attacks and David Warner can be devastating at the top of the order.

But there is so much more to this series than just those men.

Here are five players who will fly under the radar but could have a major impact.

DEAN ELGAR

Since isolation, the Proteas have done (or at least competed well) in series where they’ve had un-flashy and gritty left-handers as openers.

In 1997, Gary Kirsten almost helped South Africa to a series-leveling win in Adelaide with two fine innings.

A few years later, Graeme Smith inspired back-to-back series wins Down Under simply because he delivered such an immense contribution with the bat.

Don’t forget – of course – that time when he went out to bat in Sydney with a broken hand.

Dean Elgar, despite an iffy series against India, fits that mould too.

He’s a pugnacious cricketer who won’t stand back for the Aussie’s verbal and bowling assault.

His presence will be vital.

JOSH HAZLEWOOD

Josh Hazlewood. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

It’s understandable that most cricket fans get excited by rampaging quicks that terrorise opposition batsmen.

That’s why Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins tend to dominate discussions about Australia’s vaunted pace attack.

But all good attacks need a bolter, the “boring” member that provides the glue.

The 27-year-old Josh Hazlewood is that man.

Capable of also bowling at high pace, he’s real forte is his ability to control the game.

An outstanding economy rate of 2.79, plus 139 Test wickets at an average of just over 25 is an illustration of his class.

If any batsmen just thinks of underestimating him, they should go ask Hashim Amla.

South Africa’s bearded star was dismissed four times by Hazlewood in 2016.

QUINTON DE KOCK

Quinton de Kock. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

The Proteas’ gifted wicketkeeper-batsman is no stranger to tormenting the Aussies.

His performances in 2016’s series in Australia were instrumental in that win, particularly the way he could so easily transfer the pressure onto the bowlers.

Even in tight spots, South Africa could count on De Kock scoring at a fast rate … and scoring many runs too.

However, he’s now at a crossroads in his career, suffering from poor form and being pressurised by Heinrich Klaasen for his place.

If he can regain form, De Kock will add massive value to the Proteas’ batting product.

But they can’t afford for him to still struggle.

MITCHELL MARSH

Mitchell Marsh. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Despite possessing dangerous, world-class batters like Steve Smith and David Warner, the Aussies – like the Proteas – do have a bit of a wobbly middle-order.

With South Africa struggling to determine whether to strengthen their batting or bowling, the visitors have a competitive advantage.

And that advantage is Mitchell Marsh.

The tall all-rounder came of age during the Ashes, especially as a batsman.

Whenever he performs, Australia’s overall product in Tests becomes so much more useful.

On pitches expected to be slower as summer draws to a close, Marsh’s seamers could become awkward.

KESHAV MAHARAJ AND NATHAN LYON (Consider these two a bit of a package deal)

Keshav Maharaj. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

The battle between the two frontline spinners will be fascinating.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about both is that they’re actually intimately familiar with their respective roles.

Both have grown up – in cricket terms – in countries where fast bowling is treasured and spin plays second fiddle.

However, Maharaj and Lyon have also built reputations of being spinners who’ve adapted well in conditions that don’t always suit them.

This one might become too tight to call.

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