Spot the Difference: SA v Aus 1-1

It's like one of those pictures we used to do as kids. Draw the "x" over the all too obvious differences. On some days if you have to compare South Africa and Australia, it would be quite easy to spot the glaring differences. At times they don't look like they even belong on the same field.

First ODI sees Australia get one of the biggest scores batting first at Kingsmead -286 and South Africa skittled for 145. Second ODI sees Aussies bundled for 131 and South Africa canter home. So with a 3 days to think about where to draw the next "X" both teams move to Cape Town for a Maundy Thursday matchup.

With South Africa taking the bold step to give Roelof Van Der Merwe his debut and Parnell to step in with the new ball, it's paid off. Parnell is something of a throwback to Wasim, although nowhere near as tall. I think the speed readings were a little deceptive. (Sidebar - did you know that Hawkeye do the speed readings?)

He is not the skiddy, raw pace of Dale Steyn; or the awkward bounce of Morne Morkel when he gets it right. He can swing it in to the right-handers though. The value of this, never mind the pace, is never to be underestimated. I think the perfect example is Ryan Sidebottom. On his comeback he bowled old school stuff. 3 in, 1 away.

To the right-hander, which one can I leave, which one should I play?

As good as Parnell was for the Proteas, Haurtiz looked like he was bowling hand grenades in Durban. 4/29 in 8 overs, with South Africa prodding, flicking and slogging themselves into a humid Kingsmead mire.

In chasing down that 131 South Africa didn't really look convincing. They will still want to improve in that department. So the local net bowlers at Newlands and St George's can expect to spend their Easter weekend fishing the ball out of the nearest river.

Something else for the SA selectors to consider: Herschelle Gibbs - will he pop or flop? I would pick Amla and keep it simple up there.

Can't see the AUS selectors making too many changes - but Michael Clarke has got to start producing!