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Match Details
Date: December 16-20, 2021
Time: 9:30 AM IST
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Preview:
Australia are set to host arch-rivals England for the second Test of the 5-match Ashes series at Adelaide Oval from December 16- December 20. Despite some phenomenal performances by skipper Joe Root and Dawid Malan, England lost the 1st Test by 9 wickets. Pat Cummins (5/38), Travis Head (152) and Nathan Lyon (4/91) turned out to be the heroes in Australia's big win.
Head-to-head:
Pitch Report:
The Adelaide pitch is expected to remain flat and good for batting for at least half the game. The day-night clash will be played with the pink ball, which generally swings and seams more. The pitch in Adelaide will also offer some help to spinners. The surface at this venue has been used well by spinners Nathan Lyon and Lloyd Pope in the past.
Team Analysis:
Australia:
Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test with a minor side strain. It is understood that Jhye Richardson will replace Hazlewood for the second Test in Adelaide. Opener David Warner is also doubtful to feature in the Adelaide Test as he injured his ribs while batting in the first innings.
Australia would like to maintain their dominance from the 1st Test. All eyes will be on in-form southpaw Travis Head, the player of the match in the first Test. Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey also had a good game behind the wickets and he will look to also contribute with the bat.
England:
Joe Root felt "frustrated" after Australia were able to defeat England in the first Ashes Test. Root commented, "We worked really hard to get ourselves back in the game and we knew how in important it was to try and get through to the new ball unscathed." Joe Root mentioned how it was a "shame" that England couldn't get through the initial time.
Veteran bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad are likely to play in the 2nd Test, starting on Thursday. The England openers have been very inconsistent of late. Rory Burns has played some good knocks this year and he needs to replicate one of those innings to help his team fight back in the 2nd Test. Having said that, it isn’t going to be easy for England while facing Australia's dangerous bowling attack. The return of Ben Stokes has strengthened the Three Lions and the all-rounder will have a big role to play if England are to level the series 1-1.
Probable Playing XIs:
Australia: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson
England: Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes/ Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson
Match Prediction
Conclusion: It is expected to be a hard-fought encounter between the two sides. However, the home advantage will help Australia in the game. They have the stronger team on paper. But England will also be eager to make a comeback in the series.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author's personal point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.