Australia wrapped up the test series against South Africa with a convincing victory in the Boxing Day Test.
With an unassailable 2-0 lead, the Aussies will be targeting a whitewash at the SCG while the wounded visitors will be determined to finish their tour on a high.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the contest with his free preview and cricket betting tips below.
Australia vs South Africa 3rd Test Preview & Betting Tips
SCG, Sydney, Wednesday January 4th, 10:30am (AEDT)
Squads
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Marcus Harris, Lance Morris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, David Warner, Michael Neser, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo
Match Preview
The Australia test train rolls on after a dominant victory in the Boxing Day Test.
Bowling first, the hosts’ top-drawer pace attack again exposed the batting woes that have dogged the Proteas, knocking them over for 189 on a relatively flat MCG wicket.
After a slow start to the Summer Cameron Green was the chief destroyer – the all-rounder took his maiden 5-fa, crucially dismissing Kyle Verreyne (52) and Marco Jansen (59).
From there it was all about David Warner. Australia’s under-siege opener returned to form with a memorable double century, scored off just 255 balls. Such was the heat in Melbourne that the veteran was forced to retire hurt with cramp, but it mattered little as Steve Smith chalked up 85 before Alex Carey broke through for his first ton (111 off 149) on day three.
Warner did return to the crease at the start of the third day, but he was knocked over first ball by Anrich Nortje who was the pick of the South African bowlers with 3-92 as the Aussies tallied 8-575 before declaring.
The Proteas had no answer in the second dig at the MCG, managing just 204 to lose by an innings and 182 runs. Bavuma (65) and Verreyne (33) provided some resistance, but Nathan Lyon (3-58) made the most of some extra responsibility to see his side home.
Unfortunately, Green joined Starc in the casualty ward after being struck in the finger. Green didn’t bowl in the second innings and both players will miss the third test, so Australia will field a changed line-up.
West Australian Ashton Agar looks set to fill the all-rounder spot left empty by Green. His left-arm spin is well suited to the dry SCG wicket, and Australia have plenty of faith in their top order to do the bulk of the work with the bat. Josh Hazlewood should return in the place of Starc. However, there could be a third change as the Aussies weigh up whether to blood aggressive quick Lance Morris.
For the visitors, Theunis De Bruyn has gone home early to be present for the birth of his child, so Rassie van der Dussen may be recalled after an underwhelming performance in the first test. Heinrich Klaasen provides another option.
Regardless of the final changes, Australia have been far too strong in this series and the Proteas haven’t shown that they can occupy the crease for more than a day. As such, the home side are primed to complete a 3-0 demolition job here.
Prop Bets
Khawaja has failed to trouble the scorers so far, tallying just 14 runs in three innings. However, he averages an incredible 98 on his home ground, with a top score of 171. As such, I expect the classy left-hander to be back amongst the runs in this dead rubber.
To Score 50 in 1st Inns – Usman Khawaja - $2.50 (Ladbrokes)
Erwee has been one of several South African batsmen to struggle down under, managing just 52 runs in four innings. The opener has topped his first innings line just once in the series, and I expect hometown hero Hazlewood to be all over him.
Sarel Erwee Under 20.5 runs – 1st inns – $1.83 (Ladbrokes)
