SA vs AUS: Which team holds the edge in 3rd-Test?
What's the story
The much-awaited third Test between South Africa and Australia will kick off on Thursday at the Newlands cricket stadium in Cape Town.
The four-match series stands level at 1-1 and has been surrounded by controversies so far after the poor conduct of players from both sides.
Here is our statistical preview to the battle between the two giants.
Rabada returns
South Africa get a boost
The number 1 Test bowler, Kagiso Rabada was handed a 2 match suspension, after he was found guilty of "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player".
However, the 22-year-old, who bagged 11 wickets in 2nd Test, appealed against the suspension and successfully got it overturned, thus making him eligible to play the contest.
His return gives a shot in the arm for SA.
Tough contest
Newlands has been lucky for Australia
Australia have won 10 out of their 13 Tests at the Newlands cricket stadium.
However, the hosts can take heart from the fact that Australia have won just one of their last 3 encounters at Cape Town.
South Africa have lost just once in their last 15 Tests here, winning 11 and drawing 3.
Thumped
Australia thrashed South Africa in their last encounter at Newlands
The last time, these two sides locked horns at the Newlands cricket stadium in 2014, it was Australia that emerged as the better side clinching a 245 run victory and winning the 3 match Test series 2-1.
David Warner led Australia's charge scoring 280 runs in the fixture, while Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris bagged 7 wickets each.
Data
No injury woes for both sides
As far as injuries are concerned, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and speedster Mitchell Starc have overcome their niggles and are fit for selection. South Africa do not have any injury problems as such and have a full-strength squad at their disposal.
Favourite turf
Philander waiting to get a go at the Aussies
Vernon Philander will be raring to have a go at the Aussie batsmen after he was restrained to being a second-string bowler due to lack of seam movement at Port Elizabeth.
In 8 Tests at the Newlands, Philander has bagged 47 wickets at an average of 16.34.
This is his home ground and he is at his lethal best here.
Out of form?
Steven Smith needs to exorcise his demons
There is no doubt about Steven Smith's quality as a batsman in Test cricket.
He is the number one batsman in the world and averages 62.49 in the five-day format.
However, Smith has been a shadow of himself in the series so far with scores of 56, 38, 25 and 11.
Smith will have to score big if the Aussies need to win.