AUS vs SA, 2nd Test Preview

Australia will take on South Africa in the iconic Boxing Day Test on Monday. The first Test was over in under two days. The pitch was always favourable for the bowlers due to the lush grass covering it. The Proteas ultimately lost the match by six wickets. Australia will look to wrap up a series victory over South Africa in the second Test. They will host South Africa in Melbourne for the 2nd Test on Monday. Australia had a convincing win in Brisbane recently. South Africa’s batting let them down badly as they couldn’t cross 300 runs in both innings combined. The host side then chased down the low target of 35 and won the game with ease.

AUS vs SA, 2nd Test Details

Australia vs South Africa – 2nd Test

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground – Melbourne

Date & Time: 26th December at 05:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network

AUS vs SA, 2nd Test Pitch Report

The Melbourne wicket is a typical Australian wicket where the chin music is played for the batters. There is no doubt that the pitch will benefit the pacers. But as the game goes on, spinners will become more important. Before attacking the bowlers, the batters would need to get their eyes in. The conditions will be perfect for fast bowling. 

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update

Also Read: Ban vs Ind, Day 3: India 45-4 at stumps, need 100 to win 2nd Test

AUS vs SA, 2nd Test Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

Topmost Picks for AUS vs SA Dream11 Prediction, 2nd Test:

Top Picks – Australia

• Steve Smith- He scored 36 runs in the first innings of the opening Test match against South Africa where he failed to convert his impressive start into a big score.

• Marnus Labuschagne– The right-hander smacked an incredible double-century in the first innings of the opening Test against West Indies and also followed it with a fine hundred in the second innings.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Kagiso Rabada– South Africa’s premier pace bowler Kagiso Rabada bowled amazingly well. He ended up taking as many as 8 wickets in the Test match that included four-wicket hauls in each of the innings.

• Temba Bavuma– He got fine starts in both the innings of the Test match but will be looking to contribute well with the bat in the upcoming second Test starting from Monday.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs SA Dream11 Team:

Kyle Verreynne, Rassie van der Dussen, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Temba Bavuma, Travis Head(C), Marco Jansen(VC), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AUS vs SA Dream11 Team:

Kyle Verreynne, Dean Elgar, Marnus Labuschagne(C), Steven Smith, Temba Bavuma, Travis Head, Marco Jansen, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kagiso Rabada(VC), Anrich Nortje

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne

Vice-captain – Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada

Wicketkeeper – Kyle Verreynne

AUS vs SA 2nd Test Probable Winners:

The First Test was an extraordinary contest with the pitch rated as ‘below average’ by the match referee. It made for very exciting cricket with Australia coming out on top in a quick-fire low-scoring contest. Although they completed a six-wicket win inside two days at the Gabba last week, there is still plenty of room for improvement for Australia ahead of this Test. We expect the game to move at a much slower pace in Melbourne but there are very few signs that South Africa’s batters will be able to produce a significantly stronger performance with the bat. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.