Post ball tampering row, Hurt Australia seeks to start new chapter in fourth test against South Africa

The match is the last in what has been a tempestuous series, with South Africa leading 2-1 following its emphatic, and now infamous, 322-run victory in Cape Town, a game that will forever be remembered for an audacious attempted cheat by its opponents.

South Africa is seeking a first home series win over the Australians since 1970 and will be heavy favourite as it takes its settled squad into the fixture against a touring side in chaos. Former Australian captain Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have all been sent home in disgrace for their roles in the tampering scandal, replaced by openers Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns, and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

All are likely to slot straight into the side, with Renshaw, who made his debut against SA in 2016, to add to his 10 tests, Burns, who played the last of his 13 tests against the Proteas 17 months ago, and Maxwell (seven matches) showing form in domestic cricket.

Australia will have just one training session having cancelled practice on Wednesday, while the new arrivals will have to quickly overcome any lingering jet lag.