Very few would have entertained the prospect of Australia facing a whitewash at home against a South African side without the services of regular skipper AB de Villiers and speedster Dale Steyn. The unthinkable is well on the verge of happening, as the Steve Smith-led side has looked like a pale side without any enthusiasm. Barring David Warner, none of the Kangaroos have stepped up to the occasion and are potentially at their lowest team phase in the 21st century.
For South Africa, the chance to create history looms as they have been led efficiently by Faf du Plessis. After clean sweeping Australia in the ODI series a few weeks ago, the Proteas are eager to do the same in Tests. Below we go through the five talking points ahead of the iconic day and night Test at Adelaide.