Australia and South Africa are currently placed first and second on the World Test Championship points table. Thus, this series could have a massive bearing on which team plays the final next year at The Oval.

Both teams do not have a lot of injury concerns, although the hosts will be missing the services of premier pacer Josh Hazlewood. But with Pat Cummins returning to lead the side after injury, and Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in fine form, Australia will not be worrying too much about Hazlewood’s absence.

South Africa have a potent fast bowling attack themselves, comprising the likes of Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj could also have a crucial role to play, especially if the pitches start spinning. South Africa will be led by Dean Elgar and will be hoping to give a good account of themselves, having won Test series on each of their previous three trips to Australia.

The three-match series will begin at the Gabba on December 17. The Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the iconic Boxing Day test, with the third Test slated to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 4.

AUS v SA Tests 2022/23 schedule: Full list of fixtures

(All timings are in local time)

First Test, Australia v South Africa, December 17-21, the Gabba, Brisbane, 10:20am (12:20am GMT)

Second Test, Australia v South Africa, December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, 10:30 am (11:30pm GMT on December 25)

Third Test, Australia v South Africa, January 4-8, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, 10:30am (11:30pm GMT on January 3)