AUS vs SA | 3rd Test: Preview, Probable Playing XI, Fantasy Tips and Prediction

South African Cricket Team (Source: AP Newsroom)

After two crushing defeats in the Test series, South Africa will be hoping to make a comeback when they face Australia in the third Test to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Proteas have more to think and worry about as they were down and out in the heat of Melbourne, thumped by the class of David Warner. Their batting is potentially under-fire with less than useful contributions from their prime batters which is certainly not helping their cause. Dean Elgar's men are left stranded in the middle of nowhere after facing a four-match losing streak that commenced against England.

Australia, are full of confidence with a few fewer things to fret than their counterparts. The injuries might have been a concern but the right players have stepped up at the right time for the Kangaroos. With Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green ruled out, the door is wide open for two spinners to feature in the XI. Batting more often than not looks solid which will test the patience of fiery African pace attack.

Match Details

Date and Time: 4th-8th January, 05:00 AM IST
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Live Telecast & Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: The SCG is famously known to assist the spinners but at a later stage. Initially, the batters are going to find it easy to score runs as the average first innings score is 394. While intermittent rain is predicted throughout the game, it would be interesting to see if it plays the spoilsport.

Predicted XIs

Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood.

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

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keeper: Kyle Verreynne
Batters: Temba Bavuma, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith
All-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Travis Head
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland

Captain: Steven Smith
Vice Captain: David Warner

Prediction

This series hasn't been kind to the visitors and most probably, it is going to stay that way. The Australian side is riding high on confidence and hence, should win this battle and take the series 3-nil.

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