McDonald's the man.

The has been hardly enough time to draw breath and take in the fantastic win we pulled off yesterday, before diving back into the deep-end  of the second test against a South African team undoubtedly rearing to get stuck in. 

The Aussies played brilliantly in Joburg, the bowling attack was especially impressive. Siddle, Hilfy and especially Mitchell Johnson bowled accurate, tight spells during which the Saffies could not break the shackles at all. But the bowler that impressed me the most was Andrew McDonald. 

Yes, the red-headed, and very unimaginatively nicknamed 'Ronnie' McDonald from Victoria bowled incredibly well. He gave away less than 1.5 runs per over in the second innings, and took the wicket of the first innings century maker, AB deVillers. He hardly bowled a loose ball all game. Figures show he only got the 2 wickets for the match, but I don't think it's unfair to say he helped create at least 4 or 5 wickets at other end. 

In my opinion, I think he plays the perfect role in this current Australian side. With Johnson, Siddle and Hilfenhaus having played only about 25 tests between them, McDonald sends down over after over of scoreboard pressure from one end while the talented but inexperienced strike bowlers attack from the other. McDonald could do the same from the opposite end while Bryce McGain bowls.

So the question is, as the second test in Durban approaches, does McDonald play? Apparently, the conditions will be hot and humid, which means a flat pitch and tired bowlers. I think a specialist spinner needs to play on any pitch in any match, but McGain especially needs to play this match. Johnson, Siddle and Hilfenhaus shouldered a huge workload in the first test, and can't be asked to execute the same quality of bowling in hotter conditions. McGain can play as an attacking or defensive option while the quick men attack from the other end in short spells, but if McGain goes for runs, there is nobody else to bowl long, tight spells, unless McDonald plays.

But then, who gets the axe? Only 11 men can be picked for friday. If McDonald plays, it will either be the same side with no specialist spinner (which is a mistake!) or one of the batsman will be dropped. Marcus North will be terribly unlucky if it is him, but he would probably be the most likely choice. The other candidate is the out of form Hussey, but I think his experience is needed in this rather fresh Australian side. On the other hand, McDonald could be the one dropped and the spinner would come in for him.

When you've been following cricket religiously for as long as I have, sometimes, you get certain feelings about certain things taking place on the cricket field. As I watched the first test unfold, I got the feeling that Andrew McDonald had a much larger role to play in this Australian side then first thought. What I love about him is that he always has a huge smile on his face, he enjoys his cricket, which is the most important thing overall. The selectors have been know to make some interesting decisions in the past, and I wouldn't be surprised if the side for the second test is nothing less than that. I just hope the tall red-headed all rounder is in the forefront of their minds.