Australia looking to avoid repeat of Melbourne cricket test match

The Australian cricket team is in a strong position in the second test match against South Africa. Just as the first test in the series being played in South Africa followed closely the Perth test match in the recent series in Australia, the second test is going along much the same way as the Melbourne test.

In the Melbourne test Australia was on top until JP Duminy and Dale Steyn put together a match turning innings on day three. South Africa went on to take the test and the series.

Now in Durban we once again see JP Duminy and Steyn together at the crease with their side in trouble. Australia had gone into day two looking to build on their impressive opening day. Things did not go well for the Aussie batsmen as they crashed out for 352 after starting the day at 4 for 303. The last three were all out for ducks.

Next came the South African innings. Australia got off to the best start possible with McKenzie gone after three balls, caught behind by Haddin off Mitchell Johnson and then Amla was lbw to Johnson from the fifth ball of the over. The lbw decision was reviewed by the third umpire and after around four minutes the original decision was confirmed.

South African captian Graeme Smith was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the hand and Johnson left Kallis bloodied after a sharp jumping delivery caught him unawares. Smith was off the field with just two runs, while Kallis made 22. AB de Villiers did not hang around for long as he was dismissed by Hifenhaus for just three runs.

Johnson and McDonald were starring with the ball as they collected three wickets each to see Australia end day two with a 214 run lead and needing 3 wickets to end the first innings.

I don’t see South Africa repeating the Melbourne effort and we should see Australia wrap up the innings with around a 175 run lead.

How do you see day three action panning out? Can South Africa pull off another miracle or do the Aussies have this test match in the bag? Leave your comments below.

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