Brisbane: Big news from Brisbane is Australian opening batsmen announced his retirement Tuesday morning. Yesterday Simon Katich want to open with Hayden, but today he sock after Hayden retirements.
South Africa have called for three changes and there may be a fourth if AB de Villiers doesn't recover from a painful hip injury. Wayne Parnell, the left-arm medium-fast bowler, replaces Lonwabo Tsostobe, Morne Morkel comes in for Makhaya Ntini and Hashim Amla allows Jacques Kallis to have a rest. Parnell, who is capable of swinging the ball, is an uncapped 19-year-old and was the leading wicket-taker in last year's Under-19 World Cup.
Australia are carrying a 13-man squad and the only two who weren't used in Melbourne were the allrounder Ryan Harris and Nathan Hauritz, the offspinner. It's unlikely Hauritz will be called, but Harris, who is an adopted Queenslander, may win a start ahead of Cameron White.
South Africa were over-powered by the rookie opener David Warner during the first clash and have one game to find some more consistent form ahead of the five-match CB Series, which starts in Melbourne on Friday.
Pitch Report: The Gabba wicket block is in excellent shape, offering true bounce and excellent carry. If there is cloud cover and humidity the bowlers, who will need to use all available help, should gain useful swing.
Weather: A morning shower is expected, but the wet weather is not predicted to stay around for the evening.