Australia A's last stand

Phil Hughes is ready to lead from the front as Australia A look to bounce back from a poor outing when they face South Africa A from Thursday in the second and final four-day match in Townsville.

Hughes was handed the responsibility of captaining the side after Moises Henriques succumbed to a groin strain that prevented him from batting in the second innings of the previous match.

Hughes is the fourth captain to take charge during the six-week tour that has encompassed Brisbane (two four-day matches against India A), Darwin (a quadrangular series with India A, South Africa A and Cricket Australia's National Performance Squad) and now Townsville.

James Faulkner captained the side in Brisbane to two draws on flat pitches while Cameron White lead the team during the 50-over matches where they finished runner-up to India A.

Australia A were hamstrung after a poor effort with the bat on day one of their first encounter with South Africa A, but Hughes believes his side can finish the six-week 'A' tour on a positive note.

"They really showed how to play on that wicket, there's no doubt about that," Hughes told reporters in Townsville.

"Our first innings with the bat really let us down and we were behind the eight ball from the start of the game.

"The way the South Africans went about, that's something that we're going to have to approach in this game.

"I know all the boys are up for a fight and really want to turn around the form that we showed last week."

While Hughes concedes his experience as captain is restricted to his days as junior cricketer, the opening batsman believes he's been able to learn from some of the best throughout his first-class and Test career.

"I've been lucky to play under some very experienced captains and some great leaders over the past few years," Hughes said.

"My first captain at New South Wales, Simon Katich, and then you look at Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke and the outstanding leadership qualities that they've had.

"It's just been great to listen and learn off those experienced guys."

The senior side, led by Clarke and Darren Lehmann, have shown the benefits of an aggressive style of cricket during a successful nine months for Australian cricket, with Hughes admitting he would be looking to encourage the same style of cricket from the 'A' side.

"That's our brand of cricket," Hughes added. "That's the way we Australians love to play and I'll have no change on that.

"We love moving the game forward and hopefully we see a bit of that in the next four days."

South Africa A had sought to target Hughes's "weakness" against spin bowling in Townsville, with the Aussie opener scoring just 23 and 12 in his two knocks.

"I've done work over the last couple of days and I continue to work on spin," Hughes said.

"If that's what they think, that's fine by them.

"I look to improve on my game to quick bowlers, to spin bowlers and all around my game, so there's nothing really different."

Meanwhile, off the park Australia A bowler Gurinder Sandhu has been raising eyebrows amongst his teammates with an unabashed post on Instagram of his 'pool party' in Townsville.

When and where?

Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville with play scheduled to commence at 9:30am AEST each day starting Thursday. 

Quick Single: Full ‘A’ tour schedule

How much will it cost to get in?

Tickets for the match will cost $10 for adults, $5 for concession, while children 15 years and under get in free of charge.

How can I follow it if I can’t get to the ground?

Don't stress, cricket.com.au will be live streaming all the action from Townsville on desktop, mobile and tablet for most regions in the world. You'll also be able to follow along with live scores online or via Cricket Australia Live: The Official App.

View: Live scores for the second match

You can also stay up-to-date with all the action on social media using the hashtag #AusATour:

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Who’s playing?

Australia A squad: Phillip Hughes (captain, SA), Jason Behrendhorff (WA), Tom Cooper (SA), Callum Ferguson (SA), Peter Forrest (QLD), Clint McKay (VIC), Peter Nevill (NSW), Steve O'Keefe (NSW), Gurinder Sandhu (NSW), Chadd Sayers (SA), Marcus Stoinis (VIC), Matthew Wade (VIC).

South Africa A squad: Justin Ontong (captain), Temba Bavuma, Corne Dry, Simon Harmer, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Rory Kleinveldt, Heino Kuhn, Eddie Leie, Mangaliso Mosehle, Kagiso Rabada, Hardus Viljoen, David Wiese, David White, Khaya Zondo.

Who’s in charge?

John Ward and Paul Wilson will be the two field umpires for the match, while Daryl Harper is the Match Referee.

How’s the weather looking?

Not good. After five weeks of predominantly sensational weather on the 'A' tour, it's not looking great for much of the final four-day clash. The forecast suggests rain for three of the first four days and we cricket fans can only hope that someone, somewhere has got it horribly wrong.

Quick Single: Bureau of Meteorology forecast