Australia vs England, 2nd Test, Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

The second Test which is scheduled to be played under the floodlights might challenge the batters.

Published - 15 Dec 2021, 20:03 IST | Updated - 15 Dec 2021, 20:03 IST

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Preview:

Australia and England will battle it out against each other in the second Ashes Test on Thursday, December 16. Pat Cummins made his captaincy debut in his own distinct style by dominating the proceedings in the first Test match. The hosts displayed an all-around effort to take a 1-0 lead in the Ashes.

They outplayed the visitors on the very first day before securing victory midway through the fourth day. Cummins registered his five-wicket haul in England’s first innings as the visitors were wrapped up at just 147 runs. Australia’s Travis Head who was selected ahead of Usman Khawaja, scored an impressive century to exude his class.

David Warner also displayed his flair by taking command of the game but fell just six runs short of his century. In England’s second innings Nathan Lyon secured four wickets to reach the incredible feat of 400 Test wickets. The second Test which is scheduled to be played under the floodlights might challenge the batters.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad weren’t a part of the setup for the first Test however they are likely to make the cut for the Adelaide Test. Josh Hazlewood who is suffering from a side strain will miss the game as Jhye Richardson has been named as his replacement.

Pitch and Conditions:

The pitch is expected to provide some good assistance to the batters. As the game progresses, the spinners might chime in with important breakthroughs. The weather is expected to remain clear throughout the Test match.

Playing Combinations for AUS vs ENG:

Australia

Marcus Harris and Steve Smith weren’t able to make a larger impact on the team in the first Test, they will now aim to turn the tables this time around. Head, Warner, and Labuschagne will be determined to continue their good form in this Test. The bowlers looked in fine touch in the Gabba Test and will hope to replicate the same this time around.

Probable Playing XI:

David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson

England

The visitors will be aiming to put up an all-rounder show on display. Joe Root and Dawid Malan scored runs in the first Test but the other batters will have to provide enough resistance to put England in the driver’s seat.

Probable Playing XI:

Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad/Jack Leach, James Anderson