South Africa’s young guns hauled their side out of a cricketing crevasse in the first Test in Durban yesterday before Australian quick Mitchell Starc killed off the contest with a late three-wicket over.
At 4-49 with their four best batsmen back in the sheds, South Africa looked headed for a resounding loss as they pursued a gigantic target of 417. But Australia encountered robust resistance from 23-year-old opener Aiden Markram (143), 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock (81 not out) and 25-year-old middle order batsman Theunis de Bruyn (36).
It took some stunning reverse swing bowling by Starc just before stumps to ease the nerves of Australia. While Markram and de Bruyn had seemed to be merely delaying the inevitable during their 87-run partnership, the subsequent stand between Markram and de Kock gave the Australians genuine cause for concern. The pace at which that pair scored ruffled the Australian bowlers, who were only further agitated by a sequence of edges which flew through or beside the slips cordon.
After bowling so well to that point of the Test, the Australian lost their cool and, with it, their control. Rather than settling on one particular plan, or on one specific length, the Australians were impatient, too often straining to produce wicket balls.
Such an anxious approach typically results in a generous helping of loose deliveries and Markram and de Kock happily exploited these wayward offerings. Markram underlined why he is widely considered one of the elite young Test batsmen in the world as he constructed a hundred of rare class and composure for someone of his age.
His driving was sublime, punishing Australia’s quicks whenever they overpitched. Markram was also admirably positive in the way he played spinner Nathan Lyon, who had cracked open South Africa’s first innings on day two.
At the other end, de Kock emerged from a long form slump in Tests to play the kind of fluid counterpunching innings for which he has become renowned.
(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
In contrast to Markram, de Kock was most effective on the back foot, cutting and pulling with authority. Meanwhile, Australia’s bowling and strategies lost direction. By day’s end, de Kock and Markram must have been ruing the lack of input from their senior batting colleagues.
After being skittled for 162 in the first innings, the Proteas would have hoped that in the second dig their veteran batsmen could halt the charge of the Australians.
It wasn’t to be. First in-form opener Dean Elgar was undone by a lifter from Starc which brushed the edge of his bat and landed in the gloves of Time Paine. Then Josh Hazlewood continued his extraordinary dominance of Hashim Amla, dismissing him for the sixth time in the space of seven innings, this time LBW.
When AB de Villiers was run out in a mix-up with Markram, South Africa were 3-39 and it looked as though things could not get darker for the hosts. But it could and did when captain Faf du Plessis had his off stump sent literally cartwheeling by Pat Cummins.
That marked the high point of Australia’s intensity for the day – their bowling unit gradually became less and less organised. It was a timely reminder for the Australians of the quality and combativeness of their opponents.
While Australia will be aggrieved by the way in which they stumbled today, they will gleefully accept a win away from home against a very good side.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Didn't he mean the headbutt bit as an in-joke about the Bairstow- Bancroft thing?
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
He seemed to be bowling more darts than I've seen recently which was a shame. I thought he'd got out of the habit.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
That's a little unfair. I thought it was AB's call and a stupid one.
Ozibatla
Guest
Look when I say how he now conducts himself in interviews, im referring to a few recent ones I recall. Leading into the ashes he commented on how he was looking forward to "ending some careers in the England camp". Leading upto this series he talked how Australia and himself like to push the boundaries but not cross them when it comes to the verbals. I think his exact words were "we like to headbutt the line but try not to cross it". I mean this sort of talk sounds like rhetoric that belongs in a boxing ring. To me it looks like Nathan Lyon is trying too hard to engage in the bravado. And it doesnt really suit him.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Meanwhile, in the Shield, 21yo Jake Doran has made runs (74) again, he's had an incredible season. He's faced 120 balls per dismissal this season which is just sensational 'stickability' for a batsman so young. Also, what's happened to all the Ed Cowan fans that were having conniptions when Daniel Hughes was selected ahead of him at the start of the season? This Shield season: Hughes ...... 606 runs at 47 Cowan ....... 347 runs at 35
doogs
Guest
I actually really like him in interviews. He makes me laugh. He seems very popular with most players. I don't really agree with his send off of ABV but I cannot see how you can base him being an idiot on this incident and how he is in interviews. But it's all good. It's your opinion and it's a free world
doogs
Guest
His behaviour has been excellent in recent years. It was horrid early in his career. I wonder what is up with him. You never really know what is going on in people's lives. It's a shame. But I am also curious as to what De Kock said to him about his wife. I hope the series continues to be aggressive but not over the top. Great win to Australia. So let's get back to talking about that
DaveJ
Guest
I said he reverted to his old form of his earlier career when he mostly averaged 34. Which was his average in January last year. Look it up. 34 is about as high as you can go and keep your place in the Australian side on a long term basis. To be fair his average away from Aus is pretty good at 29, although again that’s been hugely boosted by India and Bangladesh tours last year. I’m just being hypercritical though - I’m actually a fan of Lyon and just disappointed he didn’t deliver on day 4.
jameswm
Guest
No 3rd one at 4.46?
jameswm
Guest
I think Lyon was being more cheeky than nasty, but it wasn't a great look. Warner's was worse, plus the off field one the SA press have released.
jameswm
Guest
I think AB was calm because the tirade wasn't being aimed at him. Most of us didn't realise that till later. I do agree that send-offs are poor form, but it wasn't actually a send off this time.
jameswm
Guest
And has to share his wickets with other quality bowlers. Just checked - his test bowling average is 31.6. You were close. If he had one more wicket it would be 31.5.
DaveJ
Guest
If there is no analysis or criticism on this site you might as well close it down, son.
Ozibatla
Guest
Nathan Lyon is an idiot now days. Typical over compensation from a onetime "battler"
Ozibatla
Guest
Nathan Lyon has become an A grade flog. Hes accumulated a very good record but his behaviour has gone downhill. He clearly is buying into all the GOAT bullsh*t that gets chucked his way. One only has to look at how he conducts himself in many interviews now comaperd to 5 or 6 years ago. I understand as one becomes more comfortable at the top they develop more confidence. But letting it morph into arrogance is immature, petty and indicative of many currebt players mindset.
Bakkies
Guest
I don't why Lyon doesn't have a silly mid off. Right handers are just plodding defensive shots in the area where the catch would be. That will force them to defend straight down the wicket.
Hoppy
Guest
"The Proteas are made of stern stuff and the sledging won’t bother them." Interesting isn't it. They certainly don't seem to be made of stern stuff when it comes to world events and not choking.
Bakkies
Guest
They have been doing that and apparently there was too much artificial light (over natural).
Bakkies
Guest
He broke a painful partnership that opened up the doors for the others.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Certainly a very spicy Day 4, Warner carried on like a pork chop, thought he was moving on from this stuff. Starc was getting tonked and reacted with his verbal stoushes, I don’t mind the odd one but he kept at it. The Proteas are made of stern stuff and the sledging won’t bother them.