A Pat Cummins inspired Australia fought back late on the first day of the third Test against South Africa at Newlands and will look to seize control of the match on a pitch offering little for the bowlers. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of Day 2 from 7:30pm (AEDT).
South Africa controlled most of Day 1, but failed to drive home their advantage as they lost 6 for 37 in a horror 21 over stretch to stumps.
Pat Cummins was the chief destroyer, getting the old ball to sing. So well was it working for him, Aussie captain Steve Smith didn’t take the second new ball until the 85-over mark with the Proteas slumping to 8 for 266 at stumps.
It’s well below par, given how the pitch played, but South Africa were patient throughout the day and it backfired on them with less runs on the board than they should have when the collapse hit.
Cummins ended up with 4 for 64 for the day, but one expects spin will play more and more of a role in the match as it goes on.
The shining light for the hosts was Dean Elgar, who went to stumps with 121 not out. AB de Villiers contributed well with 64, but his wicket sparked the collapse as the Proteas fell in a heap.
It’s not the first time it’s happened in this series, with the effort reminiscing of the one in Durban where Mitchell Starc knocked their middle order and tail over. While the old ball reversing has implications for the difficulty of batting, there is going to be plenty of time for the Aussie top order to make runs.
The Australians do need a first innings lead though. Batting in the fourth innings on this wicket will be anything but easy, so being ahead of the game could well decide whether they win or not.
The first step to continuing the momentum gained at the end of Day 1 will be getting rid of Elgar – or Rabada and the recalled Morne Morkel at the other end. Every run from this point will frustrate the Aussies and make their task harder, so getting the remaining two wickets quickly is key.
Elgar, on the other hand, needs to bat well with the tail, get the shine off the second new ball and then look to be aggressive for an hour or so to get the Proteas to a par score.
It’s hard to see that happening though, with the writing on the wall. It’s then down to the Aussie top order, who, if they can see off the new ball, will take full advantage.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of Day 2 from 7:30pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Don Freo
Guest
You won't find me criticizing Ronan. I'm a fan.
Michael
Guest
Well said. Some lower order grit is something we've been lacking for ages.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me on The Roar for our live coverage of Day 2 as South Africa moved ahead in the third Test against Australia. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. I'll be back for Day 4, but be sure to tune in from 7:30pm (AEDT) tomorrow for Day 3. In the meantime, if you;'re an Aussie sports fan, why not check out Stuart Thomas' coverage of the Socceroos and Norway at 4am (AEDT). Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Right, that will be stumps on Day 2. Unbelievably poor match management from the umpires as well. To allow the over rate to fall that far behind - there were still ten overs to go with just 15 minutes remaining... That's unbelievably bad. 6 and a half hours to bowl 90 overs is more than enough, yet the teams would have been lucky to get 85 today. Anyway, again play won't start early tomorrow which also defies belief. Rain on the forecast as well for that.
Guy
Guest
That would probly suit marsh as well.
Scott Pryde
Expert
There's still three days to go... This isn't going to be a draw...
Scott Pryde
Expert
Morkel allowed to lead South Africa off, having claimed his 300th Test wicket today. While it was South Africa's day, Australia have pulled themselves right back into the match towards stumps, with Cameron Bancroft scoring 77, then the 66 run partnership from just 71 balls between Tim Paine and Nathan Lyon, keeping them in it. Australia still trail by 66 runs, but they are right in this match after two days. Philander, Morkel and Rabada all among the wickets for South Africa.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
To be honest, I don't think both Australia's bowling or batting has been able to match up with South Africa's. Australia gave away 30 extra runs (bye's, no balls etc.) Steve Smith has only made a fifty this series. Besides game's SUSPENDED. Australia could hang on for a draw here!
Scott Pryde
Expert
BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY Well, this is farcical. The umpires have stopped play with 15 minutes to go, yet both teams want to stay out there. The batsmen didn't want to go, Faf du Plessis and his team didn't want to go. Sure, the light isn't perfect, but is it unsafe or dangerous? Doesn't look like it. Anyway, that should be stumps on Day 2 but we will wait for confirmation.
Over: 67 Australia: 9/245
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Warne reckons Paine has done a "pretty good job". I'd say he's been outstanding, yet again. It's so easy for keepers, when batting with the tail, to use it as a get-out clause to play big shots and cough up their wicket. Paine consistently plays in an unaffected manner, keeps his head and builds valuable lower order stands.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Paine leaves the final one of this Morkel over alone outside the off stump and that'll leave Hazlewood at the mercy of the next over.
Over: 67 Australia: 9/245
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
A very impressive 'final stand'. Only managed 4 runs since Lyon was out a few overs ago.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Paine defends outside the off stump, then struggles to deal with the next jagging off a length and into his body.
Over: 66.5 Australia: 9/245
Scott Pryde
Expert
Paine leaves a couple alone outside the off stump. The chance of South Africa batting today, given the light situation is minimal now.
Over: 66.3 Australia: 9/245
Scott Pryde
Expert
Morkel into his 20th over now. Stars with a full one, just a hint of movement and Paine defends to mid on. Inside 20 minutes to stumps now. Just quietly, we are still supposed to have ten overs after this one. Horrific from all involved today to go that slowly.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
Maybe eight if Lyon bats like he did today!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hazlewood defends one, then backs away and waves the bat, but runs it out to point for nothing.
Over: 66 Australia: 9/245
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
9/245 Paine with a single.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Paine defends the first three from Rabada, then the big quick straightens too much and Paine grabs a single through wide mid on.
Over: 65.4 Australia: 9/245
Guy
Guest
I heard Paine shout deliberate on the stump mic when he was calling to Hazelwood??? Could he have been referring to SA's fielding?