South Africa vs Australia: 2nd Test Preview
After a hard fought contest in Durban, Australia are up 1-0 in the series. Now the hostilities would resume on Friday as Aussies will lock horns against South Africa in the second Test at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth. There is no love lost between the two sides and things would remain as heated as in the first test. Here's our pre-match report.
Visitors boast supreme bowling attack
Despite South Africa being the hosts, the fiery bowling attack of Australia which comprises of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon make them the favourites to topple the Proteas yet again. These four have played only in 5 Tests together and Australia have won all five of them. This attack is so good that getting a score past 250 seems difficult.
Rabada's form gives host a chance
After tensions flared in the first test it would be interesting to see Quinton de Kock bat at the crease. One thing is. for certain, the banter will not stop. Kagiso Rabada will be the man for South Africa. If he can get the dangerous David Warner and Steven Smith out early, then South Africa have a real chance of winning this tie.
Veteran trio had a nightmare at Durban
Morne Morkel, who announced his retirement plans before the start of this series, had a disappointing 1st Test with figures of 3-122. Two of these wickets were of Starc and Lyon. Hashim Amla is struggling to get back into form since the India series and managed to score 8 runs in the first Test. Faf du Plessis too mustered just 19.
South Africa eye first series win against Australia at home
South Africa have played 28 Tests at St George's Park and have won 12, lost 11 and drawn 5 of them. However, in the last 5 Tests, they have batted first and have won four and drawn one. South Africa have never managed to beat Australia at home in a Test series and they will be looking to set that record right.
