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  • Aus Vs Sa 2Nd Test Toss Nathan Lyon Dropped Kagiso Rabada Returns In Playing Xi

AUS Vs SA 2nd Test Toss: Nathan Lyon Dropped, Kagiso Rabada Returns In Playing XI

Anurag Dasgupta

Lyon dropped for second Test vs South Africa [Source: AFP] Lyon dropped for second Test vs South Africa [Source: AFP]

As expected, a green top awaits both South Africa and Australia in the second Test match at St. George's Park, Gqeberha. As a result, Australia have made one key change, with legendary spinner Nathan Lyon getting dropped from the playing XI, and in his place, Scott Boland is picked.

In other news, Kagiso Rabada, who missed the first Test due to an injury, returns to the South African lineup, and he’ll lead their bowling attack.

Australia wins the toss as Scott Boland replaces Lyon

Australia won the toss, and captain Pat Cummins had no hesitation in electing to bowl first on a surface conducive to the pace bowlers. The overcast conditions will also help the pacers as Cummins backs his fast bowlers to deliver.

Not surprisingly, Lyon has been dropped as the pitch will offer no help for the spinners. In his place, Australia have added Scott Boland to the lineup. Lyon picked up 2 wickets in the last Test, but judging by the playing conditions, Cummins decided there was a need for an extra seamer.

Australia vs South Africa playing XIs

Australia Playing XI: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje

Rabada returns to boost South Africa

After losing the first Test against Australia, South Africa needed a boost, and they received it in the form of Kagiso Rabada. The pacer has not featured for them in recent months due to an injury, but he recovered in time for the second Test match, as the surface will help him get movement.

South Africa have made three changes. Kagiso Rabada, Marques Ackerman and Matthew Breetzke replace Keshav Maharaj and Kyle Verreynne. Ackerman is making his South Africa debut today.

The Proteas need their batters to step up against a hostile Australian attack on Day 1 of the Test match.