Experience, injury concerns and Test match rustiness was all in show from South Africa in the first Test. The pitch was a very challenging one but South Africa’s top-order still struggle as their top-order failed to get starts. Runs on the board are as important as ever in Australia and a decent score often keeps sides in the game. South Africa though are struggling to find batters who can provide them with a good innings to lift the line-up.

David Warner remains a concern for Australia. Runs are lacking and him coming in at the non-strikers end indicates that his form seems to be getting to him. Australia has another headache. Josh Hazlewood is fit again, but leaving him out is a tough ask. On the other hand, Scott Boland has some handsome numbers in Melbourne and did well in the first Test too.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: December 26th 2022

Time:  5:00 AM IST

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground

AUS vs SA Weather Report

The Weather at Melbourne is pretty good for the upcoming game.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

The Melbourne Track has played better in the last few Tests and is now more result oriented than it was a few years ago. Early dampness brings swing and also some spin into play while the good length balls tend to get a lot of work done on them. Batting first remains a safer option despite early dampness and movement.

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head

Played- 99 | Australia -53 | South Africa – 26 | Draw- 20 | Tie- 0

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland/ Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon

South Africa Playing XI

Dean Elgar, Sarel Erwee, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

AUS vs SA Key Players

David Warner

David Warner walks into his 100th Test more nervous than he may have been for any of his other Tests through his career. His Test form has been very poor and while he has the backing of his teammates there is also a sense of belief that Warner can comeback to form as he has done in the past. Once the pocket rocket, David Warner has had a crazy Test career and will be hoping to play his 100th Test in a manner that has defined him throughout his career.

Dean Elgar

Dean Elgar is known for his grit and character. He tends to look very ugly out in the middle but somehow gets the job done. That grit is what is very useful in Australia but went missing from him in the first Test. He is South Africa’s best and most experienced battle and will have to find a way to emulate the likes of Ajinkya Rahane to get back in the Test series in Melbourne.

See Also: Virat Kohli Re-Announces Himself as the Chase Master – Cricket Winner

AUS vs SA Match Tips

South Africa won their last two Test series in Australia but both were a long way behind. They are still a pretty good side, but the Australian team is always tough to face at home and with Marnus Labuschagne going really well South Africa have their worth cut out.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match