Australia captain Pat Cummins has opted to bowl first for the second match in a row, sending South Africa in to bat in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Cummins won the toss on Monday and had no hesitation in trying to heap more pressure on the Proteas' struggling batting line-up.
South Africa have won three successive series in Australia but are 1-0 down going into the traditional Melbourne blockbuster after being crushed by six wickets inside two days on a green-top at the Gabba last week.
"I wouldn't say it's as green as the Gabba, but it looks like a good wicket," Cummins said.
"Here at the MCG the wicket just gets better and better. It doesn't look like a raging green seamer so we'll see how we go."
South Africa captain Dean Elgar was surprised by Cummins' decision to bowl first.
"Generally you want to bat first here but that's his decision," Elgar said.
"Conditions look pretty good to bat in, it's going to be nice and hot so everything will be in favour of the batters."
The Proteas have made one change, with Theunis de Bruyn replacing Rassie van der Dussen at No.3.
Scott Boland has retained his spot, with fellow quick Josh Hazlewood ruling himself out as he continues to recover from a side-strain injury.
The Victorian fast bowler will return to the scene of his famous Test debut last December, when he ran through England with 6-7 to secure man-of-the-match honours and help Australia retain the Ashes.
Veteran opener David Warner will become just the 14th Australian to play 100 Tests against the Proteas, but is facing a fight to bow out of red-ball cricket on his own terms after not making a century in the format since January 2020.
The Boxing Day Test, always a memorable occasion, will be even more special this year as Cricket Australia pay tribute to legendary spin king Shane Warne.
AUSTRALIA: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon.
SOUTH AFRICA: Dean Elgar (capt), Sarel Erwee, Theunis de Bruyn, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.
© AAP 2022