South Africa vs Australia: Exciting Second Test Preview | Hollywoodbets Sports Blog

After a convincing 118-run victory in Durban, the Australians aim to maintain their momentum as the series moves from Kingsmead down to Port Elizabeth’s St. George’s Park. Tensions are high following a heated exchange between David Warner and Quinton de Kock caught on CCTV outside the Kingsmead change rooms. While Warner has admitted to a level two ICC Code of Conduct breach, de Kock plans to appeal his level one offence.

This drama only adds extra spice to what’s shaping up to be an exhilarating series. The Proteas will be eager to defend their unbeaten record here in five Tests, while the Australians look to shake their confidence even further.

The Proteas were undoubtedly stung by their 118-run loss in Durban. Though the margin could have been wider, resilient performances from Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock and Theunis de Bruyn on day four kept the fight alive.

Theunis de Bruyn’s second innings 36 might not suffice to retain his spot if Temba Bavuma recovers from injury, as Bavuma brings valuable stability to the middle order, which struggled against the likes of Mitchell Starc.

Hashim Amla faces intense scrutiny after another lukewarm performance, with Heinrich Klaasen pushing for a place following his recent success against India. Klaasen has batted at number four for his franchise with a solid first-class average of 45.40, signalling readiness for this level.

Markram and de Kock returning to form is a boost, but captain Faf du Plessis must step up. Meanwhile, bowlers Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada will likely put in extra practice to overcome their batting challenges against Starc’s fiery spell.

On the bowling front, South Africa looks strong. Maharaj shone by taking nine wickets in the previous match, complemented by dependable spells from Philander, Rabada, and a comeback performance from Morne Morkel in the second innings.

The Australians have kick-started their tour spectacularly, with most batsmen contributing well aside from Usman Khawaja. Their bowling attack remains world-class, mirroring their Ashes brilliance.

Mitchell Starc was the star of the show, claiming the man of the match with incredible match figures of 28.4-5-109-9. Steve Smith will rely on Starc to deliver again in Port Elizabeth. Nathan Lyon is expected to play a pivotal role in the Windy City where conditions favour slower bowlers.

Pressure mounts on David Warner in Port Elizabeth following the verbal spat with de Kock in Durban. The South African players and the passionate home crowd will be testing his resolve right from the first ball. Warner’s resilience will be key.

Australia’s memories of St. George’s Park aren’t great, having suffered a heavy 231-run defeat there in 2014. Back then, South Africa was a more settled side. Expect a much tighter battle this time around.

While it’s a tough call, there’s good value backing South Africa at 37/20. The Proteas have yet to lose a Test at this venue in five attempts, and they’ll be hungry to bounce back.