Australia vs South Africa – 2nd Test – Match Preview
After an unlikely drawn affair at Brisbane, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 will look to stamp their authority in the three-match series and pursue their respective Test supremacy goals when they lock horns at Adelaide Oval, tomorrow, November 22, 2012.
While the opening clash ended in a stalemate, it was Australia who held ascendency after they weathered out the Proteas attack with reasonable authority. They began slowly but gained confidence as the match progressed. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 continues to lead by example, and the bowlers also found their groove in the second innings.
Still, underestimating the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Thomas-George-Burrows-c93472ourists won’t be wise as they have time and again shown the ability to bounce back, at least in the longer version. South Africa has not lost an away series since 2006, and though the tides will have to change one-day, they are still in pretty good space.
Their batsmen have been in good knick, and the added depth offers them more options against a quality host. Their bowlers lacked the venom of the old, but expect them to come all guns blazing and keep their tag as the ‘best attack’ intact.
Moreover, it is fair to say that both teams have some problems to address before the clash. South Africa will look to bolster their bowling attack by including http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RK-Kleinveldt-c2334, who had an uneventful Test debut.
With http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Faf-du-Plessis-c1427 his chance of making it to the Test eleven for the first time. His presence again offers a like for like change.
As for Australia, their preparations would be distracted by the prolonged http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rob-Quiney-c2340 to get a well-deserved second chance.
That then further sees http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377 also knows his space in the team, and will be looking to emulate his domestic form in order to remain in contention till the summer of next year.
Both teams hardly play out draws and fortunately; the upcoming Adelaide venue tends to hand out results. A lot will therefore, depend on the track as South Africa found it tough to adjust to the Gabba wicket, which offered little to the pace bowlers. Adelaide in also in a similar mould but gets uneven as the match progresses, further allowing spinners to play a key role.
A victory for the hosts will keep their no.1 aspiration on track, whereas a defeat will see South Africa retaining their crown. Considering this fact, their respective preparations have been contrasting; Australia had just one optional training session, today, and trained extensively over the past few days.
The Proteas have taken a lighter approach, as has been the case under http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JH-Kallis-c1692 doing very light training, and other also chipping in according to their needs. They will hope that their respective methods reap the desired results, come match day.
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