AUS vs SA, 2nd Test: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips
Both captains before the start of the Test series
The first Test match between Australia and South Africa ended on a controversial note as the Gabba pitch had demons in it and nothing for the batters, followed by one demerit point slammed by the ICC.
However, that bad flavour from Brisbane hasn't reached Melbourne, as the red carpet and lights are staged for the Boxing Day Test between the two sides who are fighting for a spot in the WTC Final.
In the first Test match of the series, if it wasn't for Travis Head's counter-attacking 92 then the home team could have surrendered against the fire-spitting Proteas bowlers. Bygones are bygones, but the MCG Test could also be a neck-to-neck fight between both sides.
Australians under the leadership of Pat Cummins have decided to go the same eleven that played in Brisbane, meaning David Warner and Scott Boland will get another go-ahead.
Boland, who has an average of 10.36 in Tests, has given a nod ahead of Josh Hazlewood. Meanwhile, an out-of-form Warner is all set to play his hundredth game in the longest format.
The Proteas, on the other hand, could bring Theunis de Bruyn in place of Rassie van der Dussen. All in all, the Dean Elgar-led force would need to bat extraordinarily at the G to level the series and keep themselves alive for the WTC Final.
Match Details
Date and Time: December 26, 5:00 AM IST
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV App
Pitch Report: The Gabba pitch was mocked around by many former cricketers and pundits across the world, and the MCG produced a low-scoring Test against England last year. The conditions at the G would be having a better contest bat and ball than it had in Brisbane. However, the new-ball could trouble the batters at any stage of the match.
Playing/ Predicted XIs
Australia's Playing XI for the second Test: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
South Africa's Probable XI for the second Test: Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Rassie van der Dussen/ Theunis de Bruyn, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keepers: Alex Carey
Batters: Steve Smith, Sarel Erwee, Marnus Labuschange
All-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Travis Head
Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, Scott Boland, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje
Captain: Steve Smith
Vice-Captain: Travis Head
Prediction
Considering the strengths of both teams, we reckon Australia will have an upper hand and are the firm favourites to win this match. So, it will be really tough for the Proteas to upset the mighty Aussies.
 "Arjun Bhalla")
