Two top flight teams on the ICC test rankings continue their rivalry as Australia and South Africa clash in the second test match starting from Thursday in Adelaide. The three-match test series is currently 0-0 after the Brisbane test ended in a draw.
Had it not been for rain that washed out an entire day’s play, a result would most likely have been achieved. The two teams are not renowned for playing many non-result oriented games anyway.
From Brisbane, Australia have definitely arrived in higher spirits than their counterparts. South Africa, the No. 1 ranked test team, dominated the opening day of the series but soon after lost their way as Australia almost pushed them to defeat.
Australia do not have many worries at the moment, even though news building up to the match would suggest that there was some urgency to rush Shane Watson back. Watson’s chances of playing as a batsman did not bear fruit and that would mean an unchanged side goes into the Adelaide test.
Michael Clarke, the skipper, has had a dream year so far and showed no signs of stopping when as he struck another double century.
South Africa have to fix their bowling in order to have any chances of making any inroads. After three early wickets, the bowlers struggled to strike but captain Graeme Smith insists that they will come harder in the next match. Morne Morkel has already warned the opponents, specially Ricky Ponting, to be prepared for plenty of short-pitched bowling.
Ponting himself has had an extended dry patch but he returns to his most favorite venue where he has scored more than 2000 runs. With the pitch expected to be ideal for batting first up, the captain winning the toss would have no qualms batting first under hot and sunny conditions.
The match starts at 10.30 am local time.