Are you looking for cricket tips Australia vs South Africa, 2nd test? If you are, check this article and see our match preview, betting tips, and more.

After claiming a victory at the Gabba, Australia is set to take on South Africa in the second test on December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. It will be interesting to see how the pacers perform on this surface. 

Read this article and check our cricket tips Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test, match preview, team news, odds, and betting tips.

Cricket Tips Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Match Preview

Australia managed to secure a victory on Day 2 in the first test, and many criticised the pitch after the match. But both teams had star pacers in their lineup, and Australia outplayed the visitors. Rabada, Ngidi, and other pacers could have turned things around for the team if they had a decent total to defend in the final innings.

The pacers will also play a crucial role in the second test, and the team with the better bowling attack on the day can dominate. Both teams also have star batters who can step up and score big. We are expecting a competitive test.

Team News

Australia

Josh Hazlewood, who missed the first test, may make a comeback in the second match against South Africa and add more balance to the bowling lineup.

Probable X1

David Warner, Usman Khwaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood/Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc.

South Africa

We don’t expect any big changes to the team; however, South Africa has good players who can join the playing X1 in the event of an injury.

Probable X1

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

Who Will Win: Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test?

Australia outplayed South Africa in the first test, and we got the result on Day 2. We don’t expect the second test to be one-sided, as South Africa will look to bounce back. 

The hosts will also look to continue the winning streak. We are predicting an interesting and competitive match, with the hosts claiming another victory and a 2-0 lead.

Odds

Australia will enter the second test as favourites with odds of 1.33, and South Africa will start with odds of 5.50.

Prop Bets

Top batter/run-scorer- first innings (Australia)

Marnus Labuschagne couldn’t do much with the bat in the first test, but he is a match-winner, and we expect him to do well in the second test. He is our top pick for this category.

Top batter/run-scorer- first innings (South Africa)

Rassie Van Der Dussen failed to take on the top-class Aussie bowling attack in the first test. He will look to bounce back in the second test and put his team in a comfortable position. We expect him to be the top run-scorer for South Africa in the first innings.

Top bowler/wicket-taker– first innings (Australia)

Skipper Pat Cummins had a good outing with the ball in the first test and performed well in both innings. It won’t be easy for the opponents to take him at the MCG, and he is our top pick for this category.

Top bowler/wicket-taker– first innings (South Africa)

Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for South Africa in the first test and got wickets in both innings. He showed why he is one of the best bowlers once again, and we expect him to do well in the second test too.

Player to score a 50- first innings

If batters survive a few sessions, they can put up a decent total on the scoreboard on this surface. We expect a few good knocks in the first innings, and Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Temba Bavuma, and Rassie Van Der Dussen are our top picks for this category.

Player of the match

Bowlers dominated the first test, and we expect a similar outing for both teams at the MCG. We are backing Pat Cummins to be the player of the match.

Conclusion

This is all about cricket tips Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test. The first test was one-sided, but South Africa is a strong side, and we expect the visitors to fight better in the second test. However, beating the hosts won’t be easy, especially when their key players are in good form. 

We expect the Cummins-led side to win and get a 2-0 lead in the series. Stay tuned for more cricket tips and sports betting information!