SA vs AUS, 2nd Test Preview: Australia look to exert dominance at Port Elizabeth

With the Warner-de Kock spat seemingly behind both the sides and with effective sanctions on both players, it would now seem as though Australia and South Africa can get back to the business on the field. Of course, the scandal has no doubt been rather grueling for both sides to say the least, but the business on the field of play in Port Elizabeth will be front and center as both sides clash for the spoils in the second Test.

This will be a test for Faf du Plessis and his men beyond a shout of a doubt, especially given the fact that most South African captains have had little or no success against Australia. In addition to this, there is also the dubious matter of having gone a Test down after conceding victory to the Aussies in Durban. It, however, will be more of the same as far as Steve Smith and his band of merry men are concerned as the Aussies will be hoping to assert their dominance in the Rainbow Nation.

The track in Port Elizabeth has a reputation for being one of the slowest wickets in South Africa. Thus, it remains to be seen what the team selection will be and the spinning combination that will eventually be deployed by both sides.

Playing Combination

South Africa

An unsavory collapse in the first innings summed up the batting frailties in the South African lineup. In spite of some fantastic batting from both Markram and Quinton de Kock in the second innings, the middle-order looks fragile. Although no changes are expected within the South African ranks, the batsmen are expected to have honed their skills against spin, something they have not been able to master against the uncanny Nathan Lyon.

Given the reputation of the Port Elizabeth surface assisting spin, Keshav Maharaj will keep his place in the side. It remains to be seen whether Chris Morris is drafted in ahead of Theunis de Bruyne. Dane Paterson may also make his way into the side ahead of Morne Morkel while Lungi Ngidi is expected to warm the bench once again.

Predicted XI: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis (C), Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock (WK), Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Keshav Maharaj

Australia

Steve Smith and his men in yellow have certainly been the talk of the town in recent times. Following their securing of the Ashes earlier this year, the win in Durban exerted their dominance over the Proteas. While they are yet to concede a series against the South Africans on their soil, a win in Port Elizabeth may well reinforce the same.

While it is indeed widely expected that Usman Khawaja will keep his place in the side, Peter Handscomb has been in good form of late. Cameron Bancroft’s half-century in the second innings reinforces his place in the grand scheme of things. The bowling attack will remain the same more or less. However, depending on fitness and the nature of the surface, Jon Holland – Australia’s left-arm spinner may well make his way into the side.

Predicted XI: David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith (C), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood

Head to Head

South Africa won four of the last five Tests they played at Port Elizabeth with another Test ending in a draw.

Focus Will be on

Quinton de Kock

The 26-year old wicketkeeper-batsman was involved in a defaming scandal with his compatriot David Warner. While the latter accept his charge of guilt, de Kock chose to contest it before himself pleading guilty to the charges. However, the southpaw, being one of the most important members of the South African side will be hoping to clear his head of all of that and perform the job for his side. He came good in the second innings in spite of not helping his side to a draw at least.

David Warner

All eyes will be on Warner without a shout of a doubt. While he was indeed involved in what turned out to be a level two offense of the ICC Code of conduct, the Australia vice-captain has not been in the best of form with the bat. Although he did lead his side to an impressive tri-series win, he seems to be out of form at the moment. Despite all of this, coach Darren Lehmann has come out in keen support of his ‘vice-captain’. It remains to be seen how Warner will perform in Port Elizabeth.

Stat Attack

Amla vs Hazlewood in Test cricket: 62 balls 31 runs 6 wickets

Match Timings: 9:09 AM (Local Time); 12:40 PM (IST)

Broadcast Details: Sony Six and Sony Six HD