Australia v http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 – 2nd Test – Match Preview
A must win fixture for the Australians sees them battle the Proteas in their final game of the tour, which begins today at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, November 17, 2011.
Much has been talked about the previous Test match where the tourists faltered after putting themselves in a commanding position, courtesy of a sublime century by skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Watson-c2558,
whose five-wicket haul in the first innings had left their opponents in dire straits.
However, a phenomenal comeback by the hosts saw them capitulate their tourists on 47 (http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HM-Amla-c1557 put the team on course for an emphatic win by 8 wickets.
Serious questions have been asked of the once dominant Kangaroo contingent, which despite having won their last tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 and the ODI series against their current opposition, have come under considerable threat regarding their stance of keeping faith
in players which have totally surpassed their best.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377, the former skipper and veteran of the side has been called to finally end his association with the team which will allow youngsters to finally make a mark and carry the side forward. It might be Punter’s final match of an illustrious career;
however, one can bank on him to end his barren run with a match winning contribution.
As for left armer http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MG-Johnson-c1945, even his skipper hinted that the pacer is running out of second chances and might face the wrath of the selectors, who have shown considerable patience despite him being underperforming in the past 12 months.
The team combination has hindered due to the injury suffered to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Usman-Khawaja-c2729 is expected to slot in at No. 3. The game hold immense significance for the Aussie and only a win can spare them from their recent debacles.
The hosts have been revelling in a marvellous victory, which came courtesy of some exceptional seam bowling by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753. The debutant made full use of the conditions and certainly marked his arrival to International cricket in grand style.
Also the return to form of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Morkel-c73528, the bowling attack looks as formidable as there could be in world cricket.
The biggest question mark lingers on the spin front where leg-spinner, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598 recently
backed the Pakistani born spinner to come up trumps as he is still on a learning curve.
Rest assured the hosts will be wary of backlash and need to be well prepared as they search for a first series win against the Aussies in over two decades. The key for them will be their skipper, who is slowly and gradually getting back to his best.
The pitch at the Wanderers will again assist the pace batteries of both the team, however, it is also believed to aid the batters as the ball will come nicely on to the bat. The biggest worry is the weather where showers are expected so both captains will
have to make adjustment accordingly.
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