Before you ring in the changes for the second Test, make it a point to check out the series home. You'll find that Australia are likely to bring in a few new players to strengthen their bowling. They might even be tempted to rejig their batting. Injuries notwithstanding, the South Africans can be expected to stick to the winning combination. You have till December 25th before the traditional Boxing Day Test match kicks off the day after X'mas. As always, if you need any help, feel free to ask me. Adios.

a. Form is temporary class is permanent: For those who still aren't quite sure what this hoary old cliche means, it means that while it's all very fine to pick on form, and very sensible too, you'd be well advised not to ignore the greats, even if they don't happen to be in great nick. Hint: Ricky Pointing, Matt Hayden and Brendon McCullum

b. Don't take your eye off the ball, and the series home page: Seeing the way players are being picked and discarded in these fickle times, if you don't make it a point to keep track of squad changes you're going to end up with a pretty useless fantasy team.

c. Form is temporary, temperament is permanent: This is a series between two sides that play an aggressive and, sometimes, brutal brand of cricket. Before you pick a guy for your fantasy team, make sure he's not the lily-livered, mentally fragile sort. He'll be of no use whatsoever to your fantasy team.

Well, that's it for now. Feel free to share your picks with me. That way, we'll have something interesting to talk about. And argue over. Adios and let's chat soon.