Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test – AUS vs SA Cricket Match Preview, Prediction, Where To Watch, Probable XI And Fantasy XI Tips

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After a one-sided 1st Test, South Africa will take on hosts Australia in the 2nd Test to level the 3-match series. 

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AUS vs SA 2nd Test: Match Preview:

One of the greenest tracks were prepared for the 1st Test at Gabba, where the batters from both sides had a really hard time. In-form Australian batter Travis Head proved to be the difference as he scored 92 runs with 13 fours and a six in the first innings. Steven Smith (36) was the only other batter who was able to cross the 30-run mark in the first innings. Australia would hope for David Warner and #1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne to step up and score in an important match with keeping WTC finals in mind. 

Pacers were on fire for Australia on a pitch that provided excess pace and bounce, Captain Pat Cummins picked up 7 wickets along with a 5-for in the second innings, while Mitchell Starc registered 5 wickets to his name. Spinner Nathan Lyon and young pace gun Scott Boland also scalped 4 wickets each in the match. 

For South Africa, Kyle Verreyne was the only batter who looked comfortable on the crease, scoring 64 runs in the first innings and following it with a 2-ball duck in the second innings. Temba Bavuma scored 38 runs in the first innings while Khaya Zondo scored 36* in the 2nd innings as none of the batters were able to cross the 30-run mark. Regardless of the pitch in the 2nd Test, the South African batting has looked in shambles and would face a tough task as they take on the Australian bowling attack in the Boxing Day tests. 

Kagiso Rabada was the best bowler of the match, picking up 8 wickets including 4 wickets in the 4th innings when Australia were chasing just 34 runs to win. Rabada dismissed Warner twice in the match and provided the opening wicket for South Africa. Marco Jansen on the other hand impressed the fans as he dismissed #1 ranked Marnus Labuschagne on the first ball of his spell. Anrich Nortje was also effective, dismissing Australia's highest scorer in Tests this year, Usman Khawaja on the 2nd ball of his spell. 

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AUS vs SA 2nd Test: Match Details

• Date – Monday, December 26, 2022
• Time – 05:50 AM IST
• Venue – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

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Today's Match Prediction: Who will win today's cricket match? AUS vs SA 2nd Test

With good momentum and home conditions, Australia will start off as favourites to win the 2nd Test and build an unassailable lead in the series. 

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AUS vs SA Head-to-Head:

• Total – 99
• Australia – 53
• South Africa – 26
• Draw – 20

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AUS vs SA 2nd Test: Where to Watch?

The Test series between Australia and South Africa will be broadcasted by Sony Sports Network while it will be broadcasted digitally on the OTT platform Sony LIV app. 

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AUS vs SA 2nd Test Team News:

• AUS – Ace pacer Josh Hazlewood wasn't available for the 1st Test and can come back in the 2nd Test. 

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AUS vs SA 2nd Test Probable Playing XI:

• Australia – David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood/Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon
• South Africa – Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Khaya Zondo, Temba Bavuma, van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi, Nortje, Gerald Coetzee

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AUS vs SA 2nd Test Fantasy XI:

• Wicket-keepers – Kyle Verreyne
• Batters – Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo
• All-rounders – Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marco Jansen
• Bowlers – Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, Scott Boland/Josh Hazlewood