Mass changes: Katich’s prediction for final South Africa Test

Former Australian opener Simon Katich is predicting mass changes to the Aussie line-up ahead of the third and final Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Katich’s call came immediately after the Aussies were humbled in the second Test in Gqeberha on Friday (AEDT), losing by an innings and 31 runs late on Day 5 after getting themselves into a dominant position early in the fixture.

It was again Australia’s batting that let them down, particularly in the first innings when they mustered just 99, and Katich can foresee obvious changes at both the top of the order and in the bowling attack,

“I think that there will be changes. I don't think they can afford to go in with this same team that's been humbled here,” Katich said on SEN Test Cricket.

“I think they'll rethink the balance of the bowling line-up. Conditions are going to dictate in Cape Town.

“I obviously haven't seen the wicket, and I’m not sure what that's going to entail, but I dare say that the question around Nathan Lyon will come back into effect.

“I think there'll be at least two, if not three, changes in the batting line-up. I think they'll shuffle the deck.

“I think there'll be a change at the top with the openers. I don't see Nic Maddinson playing in Cape Town. It's been the mode of dismissal against Kagiso Rabada both times in this Test match, and having two naturally aggressive players at the top of the order, I don't think it works in these conditions.”

As well as bringing back Lyon and dropping Maddinson, Katich thinks selectors will rethink the all-rounder position due to Beau Webster’s lacklustre series so far after scores of 13 and 8 in this clash.

He also thinks that Marnus Labuschagne’s spot at No.3  is in real strife depending on how Australia want their top order to look should Cameron Green return from injury.

“I think they'll make a change with the all-rounder position, and that's going to depend on what sort of bowling balance they want,” Katich said.

“Whether someone like a Michael Neser comes into calculations because of his bowling and potential to bat at seven, or whether they look at the youngster Cooper Connolly to bat in that role there.   “Then the other part of it is, what are they going to do at No. 3? If Cameron Green's right, I dare say he comes back in, and it just depends on what they want to do with Renshaw if they're happy with him at five and whether Green slots into three.

“I think they'll slide him (Green) back in at number five, and then Renshaw comes up to open, and it depends on the three what they do with Labuschagne.”

With the series tied 1-1, you won’t want to miss the third and final Test in Cape Town, which begins on Tuesday.

Listen to every ball of the match LIVE on SEN and the SEN app.