After two lopsided results in a surprisingly one-sided series, the day-night third Test between Australia and South Africa at the Adelaide Oval) is essentially a dead rubber. There shouldn't be much riding on it after the Proteas absolutely eviscerated a beleaguered Australia in Perth and Hobart. To the contrary, there is plenty of intrigue and fascination over the series finale with a swirl of controversy hovering over both teams.

Australia has been in full blown crisis after suffering a humiliating innings and 80 runs thrashing in Hobart. Ramifications ensued with Rod Marsh, chairman of selectors, falling on his sword and replaced on the panel on an interim basis by Trevor Hohns. The new-look panel, which also has Greg Chappell as one of the selectors, acted savagely by cutting half of the squad in a desperate search for renewal.

Youngsters Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson have all been inserted into Australia's misfiring batting-order and will make their Test debuts.