Cricbeat

Australia will take to the field in the second test against South Africa after one of the most traumatic defeats for the Aussies in recent times probably since Kolkata in 2001. The impact of such a demoralising loss could potentially prove decisive. But Australians who are known for their never give up attitude will make sure they make a mens for the blunders of the Ist test.

As always with Johannesberg, the early season timing of the test match has created doubts on how the pitch would behave, some are suggesting that the surface will be softer than usual. The pitch would be certainly more batsmen friendly than Cape Town. The weather forecast doesn't seem good though as showers are expected on most days so this could be an interruption laden game.

South Africa are expected to field an unchanged side, although there is a slight possibility that Paul Harris may make his return instead of the briefly used Imran Tahir in the first test.

South Africa (probable): 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Jacques Rudolph, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Jacques Kallis, 5 AB de Villiers, 6 Ashwell Prince, 7 Mark Boucher (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir. 

Pat Cummins is expected to make his debut for the Aussies in place of Peter Siddle (although most Aussies want Mitchell Johnson to be shown the door), and Pakistani born Usman Khawaja will replace Shaun Marsh. 

Australia (probable): 1 Shane Watson, 2 Phillip Hughes, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Ricky Ponting, 5 Michael Clarke (capt), 6 Michael Hussey, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Ryan Harris, 10 Pat Cummins, 11 Nathan Lyon