Australia vs South Africa | 2nd Test Match 2022/23 | Boxing Day Test Match | Match Preview
The second test match between Australia and South Africa will commence on the boxing day. Over the years, the boxing day test match has always been held in great prestige.
Match: Australia vs South Africa | 2nd Test Match 2022/23
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground – MCG
Dates: 26th December 2022 – 30th December 2022
Australia vs South Africa Preview
Australians have their Heads High:
Australia are 1-nil up in the series after winning the first test match by 6 wicket. It was a treacherous pitch that challenged the batters a lot. Resultantly, the game finished in less than 2 days. However, a better and more true surface is expected at Melbourne.
Both Teams have a strong bowling unit and can pose serious challenge to the opposition. In terms of batting, Australia have the upper hand because of their experience batters like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and David Warner. Usman Khawaja and Travis Head have performed well recently and look in great torch.
South Africa’s woes – Australia vs South Africa | 2nd Test Match 2022/23
South African batting line-up has a number of loopholes as their batters have disappointed so far. It’s a young South African unit. There is no Faf du Plessis or Hashim Amla to stabilize the innings. Dean Elgar is the most experience batter in the side.
Temba Bavuma has also been around for long enough and it is important for him to take the responsibility and perform for his country. If Bavuma doesn’t perform in the second test match, his role in the side will certainly come under scrutiny.
Young Kyle Verreynne showed glimpses of promise in the first test match. South Africa would love to see their wicketkeeper performing in the second test match against Australia.
Rassie Van der Dussen has established himself as a pillar in the limited overs cricket. However, he still has a long way to go in Test Cricket. He does possess the talent and skillset to thrive at the highest level. His performance and role in the side will be crucial.
Squads:
South Africa’s Squad for the Test Series against Australia:
Dean Elgar©, Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Eree, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Heinrich Klaasen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo
Despite a poor performance in the first test match, South Africa may stick to the same XI as their pace bowling department looks well set and they would want to give their batters another chance to perform.
Australia’s Squad for the Test Series against South Africa:
Pat Cummins©, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (Keeper), Cam Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
Josh Hazlewood is still out of Australian ranks due to side strain. Australia will stick to their winning combination as all their bowlers performed well in the first test match. Moreover, there are no workload issues either.
Match Prediction:
Team Batting last will find it challenging as Pitch at Melbourne generally deteriorates on Day 4 and Day 5. South Africa have the potential to make a comeback and level the series. An exciting game of cricket should be expected.
Team Batting last will find it challenging as Pitch at Melbourne generally deteriorates on Day 4 and Day 5. South Africa have the potential to make a comeback and level the series. An exciting game of cricket should be expected.Team Batting last will find it challenging as.
