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Australia vs South Africa 2018 1st Test Full Commentary
Result · Mar 01 2018, Thu - 01:30 PM (IST)
AUSTRALIA351, 227
SOUTH AFRICA162, 298
Australia won by 118 runs
CRR:3.22
Player Of The Match
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OUT! Caught. Keshav Maharaj to Nathan Lyon. Stock length ball, outside off stump down the track driving, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to deep cover, by de Bruyn.
Maharaj gets his man eventually. He enticed Lyon down the track but the batsman didn't get to the pitch and with a touch of turn the outer part of the bat was found. Five for Maharaj and he has bowled beautifully.
Australia finish on 351 which is a big first innings lead, Mitch Marsh top scored with 96 and there were plenty of contributions from top to bottom. South Africa toiled hard and they would have hoped to keep the score below 300 but there are no demons in the wicket so their batsman should be able to cash in, if they get set.
FOUR! Keshav Maharaj to Nathan Lyon. Stock length ball, middle stump on the front foot slog sweeping, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs. And again. Tossed up slower this time but Lyon stays with the shot long enough to make a connection.
FOUR! Keshav Maharaj to Nathan Lyon. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot slog sweeping, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs. Lyon decides to take on his opposite number and does so effectively with a well hit sweep.
Keshav Maharaj to Nathan Lyon. Stock length ball, to leg on the front foot defending, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Amla.
Vernon Philander to Josh Hazlewood. Reverse Swing-In back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, to cover for no runs, fielded by Elgar.
Vernon Philander to Josh Hazlewood. Reverse Swing-In yorker, to leg on the front foot defending, to mid on for no runs, fielded by du Plessis.
Vernon Philander to Josh Hazlewood. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep cover for 2 runs, fielded by Maharaj.
Vernon Philander to Josh Hazlewood. Reverse Swing-In length ball, middle stump on the back foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Elgar.
OUT! Caught. Vernon Philander to Mitchell Marsh. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to mid on, by Morkel. Marsh wanted to go for glory to bring up his century but he falls four short. He could not have picked out the tallest guy on the field and if it was anyone else he might have got his boundary. Frustration for Marsh and Australia but a very good knock which has put his team into a strong position.
FOUR! Vernon Philander to Mitchell Marsh. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, outside edge past third man for 4 runs. Marsh moves to 96 with a slice of good luck.
Keshav Maharaj to Nathan Lyon. Stock ball half volley, middle stump on the front foot defending, to short leg for no runs, fielded by Markram.
Keshav Maharaj to Nathan Lyon. Stock length ball, off stump on the back foot defending, to silly mid on for no runs, fielded by Markram.
Keshav Maharaj to Nathan Lyon. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, to long on for 2 runs, mis-fielded by Morkel, fielded by Rabada.
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock ball yorker, down leg side on the front foot flick, inside edge to fine leg for 3 runs, fielded by Philander.
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock length ball, to leg on the front foot defending, to silly mid on for no runs, fielded by Maharaj.
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by de Kock.
Vernon Philander to Nathan Lyon. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, to cover for no runs, fielded by Elgar.
Vernon Philander to Nathan Lyon. Seaming away length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, thick edge to point for no runs, fielded by Markram.
Vernon Philander to Nathan Lyon. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot, shoulders arms to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by de Kock.
Vernon Philander to Nathan Lyon. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to cover for no runs, fielded by Elgar.
Vernon Philander to Nathan Lyon. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, outside edge to wicketkeeper for no runs, dropped catch by de Kock.
Vernon Philander to Mitchell Marsh. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, bottom edge to point for 1 run, fielded by Elgar.
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock length ball, outside off stump no foot movement cutting, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by de Bruyn.
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock length ball, middle stump on the back foot driving, to cover for no runs, fielded by Elgar.
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock length ball, middle stump on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs, fielded by Maharaj.
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock length ball, off stump on the front foot pushing, to cover for no runs, fielded by Elgar.
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock length ball, middle stump on the front foot pushing, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Markram.
SIX! Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Marsh. Stock ball short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed in the air under control over deep mid wicket for 6 runs. Real loosener from Maharaj. Way too short and Marsh has plenty of time to rock back and bludgeon a powerful six.
Vernon Philander to Nathan Lyon. Length ball, off stump on the back foot defending, to mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Maharaj.
Vernon Philander to Mitchell Marsh. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, to deep backward point for 1 run, fielded by de Villiers.
OUT! Bowled. Mitchell Starc to Morne Morkel. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, hit pad.
Straight through the gate. Starc has cleaned up the tail and finished with 5-34 as he bowls South Africa out for 162, which is a lead of 189 for the Aussies. They have been absolutely outstanding today and found things in the pitch which the Proteas didn't. AB de Villiers was the only man who managed to look comfortable but he ended up getting stranded at the other end on 71 as wickets fell around him.
Australia go into the third day in a very strong position and they will have hopes of a big win to start the series.
Mitchell Starc to Morne Morkel. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
OUT! L.B.W. Verified by umpire after REFERRAL. Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. Reverse Swing-In half volley, outside off stump on the front foot defending, hit pad. No chance for Rabada. Starc is getting this ball to talk very late and at extreme pace. He is struck plumb in front and his review was more in hope. Is AB going to get stranded at the non-striker's end?
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada. Half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep cover for 2 runs, fielded by Warner.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada. Yorker, down leg side on the front foot defending, to mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Warner.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Josh Hazlewood to Kagiso Rabada. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, to leg on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs, fielded by Hazlewood.
OUT! Bowled. Josh Hazlewood to Keshav Maharaj. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, missed. Goodbye off stump. Maharaj is beaten for pace and late tail from Hazlewood. Brilliant sight for a fast bowler to see the stump knocked out of the ground. South Africa are really struggling,
Josh Hazlewood to Keshav Maharaj. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to cover for no runs, fielded by Warner.
Josh Hazlewood to AB de Villiers. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, to deep square leg for 1 run, fielded by Marsh.
Mitchell Starc to Keshav Maharaj. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Mitchell Starc to Keshav Maharaj. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Cummins.
Mitchell Starc to Keshav Maharaj. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bancroft.
OUT! Caught. Mitchell Starc to Vernon Philander. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, outside edge to wicketkeeper, by Paine. Another stunning delivery from the king of reverse swing. Philander is defending towards the legside with the angle but then as he is about to make connection the ball takes a different line. Straight off the edge and into Tim Paine's gloves.
APPEAL! Verified by umpire after REFERRAL. Mitchell Starc to Vernon Philander. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, by Paine, appeal made for Caught. Strange one. Nobody appealed for the catch but Smith has asked for the review. Looking on UltraEdge and Philander is nowhere near the ball. Not out.
Mitchell Starc to Vernon Philander. Reverse Swing-Out half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, outside edge to slips for no runs, fielded by Smith.
Josh Hazlewood to AB de Villiers. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot, shoulders arms to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Josh Hazlewood to AB de Villiers. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Cummins.
Josh Hazlewood to AB de Villiers. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, back to bowler for no runs, fielded by Hazlewood.
Josh Hazlewood to AB de Villiers. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot, shoulders arms to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Josh Hazlewood to AB de Villiers. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot, shoulders arms to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Josh Hazlewood to AB de Villiers. Yorker, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Cummins.
Nathan Lyon to Vernon Philander. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, back to bowler for no runs, fielded by Lyon.
Nathan Lyon to Vernon Philander. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, to cover for no runs, fielded by Warner.
FOUR! Nathan Lyon to Vernon Philander. Off break half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed past deep cover for 4 runs. Caressed with a touch of class.
Nathan Lyon to Vernon Philander. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to short leg for no runs, fielded by Bancroft.
Nathan Lyon to Vernon Philander. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to silly mid on for no runs, fielded by Marsh.
Nathan Lyon to Vernon Philander. Off break half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Starc.
Pat Cummins to Vernon Philander. Short, down leg side on the back foot pulling, to deep mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Lyon.
Pat Cummins to Vernon Philander. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to point for no runs, fielded by Marsh.
OUT! Bowled. Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, bottom edge.
Finally South Africa get the final wicket as Cummins drags a wide one back onto his stumps. Maharaj gets his fourth and he finishes with nine for the Test match. South Africa will require 417 runs to win in a little less than two days. This is going to be a huge ask against the Australian bowling line-up and they will be hoping for a better showing than the first innings.
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, middle stump on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs, fielded by Maharaj.
SIX! Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed in the air under control over deep mid wicket for 6 runs. Clubbed over the rope. Cummins is a very handy batsman down the order.
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, middle stump on the front foot slog sweeping, in the air under control to deep mid wicket for 2 runs, fielded by Morkel.
Morne Morkel to Josh Hazlewood. Length ball, middle stump on the front foot pushing, to cover for no runs, fielded by Elgar.
Morne Morkel to Pat Cummins. Short, outside off stump swayed away cutting, mis-timed in the air under control to third man for 1 run, fielded by de Villiers.
Morne Morkel to Pat Cummins. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot Slog, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Philander.
APPEAL! Morne Morkel to Josh Hazlewood. Half volley, off stump on the front foot pushing, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to mid off for 1 run, direct hit by du Plessis, appeal made for Run Out. Quick single and Hazlewood makes his ground with ease. Nobody was really that interested in the appeal but the umpire wanted to double-check.
Morne Morkel to Josh Hazlewood. Short, down leg side swayed away cutting, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by de Kock.
Morne Morkel to Josh Hazlewood. Back of a length, down leg side on the back foot pushing, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Philander.
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, to short leg for no runs, fielded by Markram.
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, to mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Elgar.
APPEAL! Verified by umpire after REFERRAL. Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot sweeping, hit pad to short extra cover for no runs, appeal made for L.B.W. South Africa lose their final review with a rather hopeless attempt. Hazlewood's pad was way outside off stump so he can't be given out.
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood. Stock ball half volley, outside off stump on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs, fielded by Maharaj.
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot slog sweeping, hit body to silly point for no runs, fielded by de Kock.
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short leg for no runs, fielded by Markram.
Morne Morkel to Pat Cummins. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Maharaj.
Morne Morkel to Josh Hazlewood. Back of a length, to leg on the back foot driving, to deep cover for 3 runs, fielded by Elgar.
Australia are in an incredibly strong position going into today. With a lead of over 400 and two full days of play the win is well within their grasp. The tail is going to have some fun this morning before they turn their hand to bowling. South Africa are going to have to bat incredibly well to get something out of this game.
FOUR! Morne Morkel to Josh Hazlewood. Half volley, off stump on the front foot driving, past long off for 4 runs. Nice shot from the number 11. That said, despite the fact he has just hit the fast bowler back down the ground for four, we are going off for bad light. That is stumps. It was all Australia for the first hour today but South Africa have fought back magnificently since. They managed to stem the early flow of runs and pick up regular wickets. However, Australia have 400 on the board and whilst it was probably the Proteas' day today Australia remain favourites to go one-nil up in the series.
Morne Morkel to Josh Hazlewood. Back of a length, middle stump on the back foot cutting, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by de Kock.
Morne Morkel to Josh Hazlewood. Length ball, off stump no foot movement pushing, to extra cover for no runs, fielded by Philander.
OUT! Caught. Morne Morkel to Nathan Lyon. Seaming away half volley, outside off stump no foot movement pushing, outside edge to slips, by Amla. Lyon goes first ball after drinks as he nicks one straight to Amla. It might not be a bad thing for Australia if the hosts have to bat tonight in these conditions.
Kagiso Rabada to Pat Cummins. Short, off stump ducked, to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by de Kock. Drinks. We still have a minimum of 20 overs left today, it is hard to see us getting anything near that.
Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, to cover for 1 run, fielded by du Plessis.
Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon. Short, outside off stump ducked, to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by de Kock.
Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, top edge to slips for no runs, dropped catch by de Villiers, fielded by Amla. Not the easiest of chances, especially in the gloom, but de VIlliers has high standards and will be disappointed he shelled that.
Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon. In-swinging half volley, off stump no foot movement driving, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Philander.
Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon. Short, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to silly mid on for no runs, fielded by Rabada, fielded by du Plessis.
Morne Morkel to Pat Cummins. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to extra cover for no runs, fielded by du Plessis. Starting to get very gloomy out there now.
Morne Morkel to Pat Cummins. Seaming in length ball, outside off stump no foot movement defending, outside edge to gully for no runs, fielded by de Bruyn.
OUT! L.B.W. Verified by umpire after REFERRAL. Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, hit pad.
Big swipe across the line and the finger goes up. It looked very adjacent as de Kock is struck on the back pad, but he is going to review just in case. All three red lights on the replay and finally it's all over. Australia win by 118 runs after a couple of ruthless performances with the ball in hand.
South Africa will be thinking what could have happened had their top-order stuck around a little longer and scored a few more runs. Aiden Markram was the stand out batsman with a brilliant 143 and that will give him plenty of confidence going into the rest of the series. Keshav Maharaj also bowled beautifully as he finished with nine wickets for the Test, just like Mitchell Starc who dismantled the lower-order in both innings with his deadly reverse swing.
Plenty of talking points coming out of this game and it's starting to get very tasty on and off the field. It's always hard-fought when these two play each other and this series looks like it's going to be no different. Join us for the next Test on Friday when both teams meet in Port Elizabeth.
Josh Hazlewood to Morne Morkel. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, thick edge to third man for 3 runs, fielded by Smith.
Josh Hazlewood to Morne Morkel. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Josh Hazlewood to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep backward point for 1 run, fielded by Lyon.
Mitchell Starc to Morne Morkel. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, inside edge to deep backward square leg for no runs, fielded by Hazlewood.
Mitchell Starc to Morne Morkel. Reverse Swing-In yorker, outside off stump on the front foot, Left to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Mitchell Starc to Morne Morkel. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot, shoulders arms to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep extra cover for 1 run, fielded by Warner. Quinton de Kock thought two was on but Warner is too quick and keeps it down to a single. Morne has three balls to face against Starc.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, inside edge to deep mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Bancroft.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-In length ball, middle stump on the front foot working, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to deep mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Marsh.
Josh Hazlewood to Morne Morkel. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to extra cover for no runs, fielded by Lyon.
Josh Hazlewood to Morne Morkel. Short, outside off stump on the back foot, Left to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Josh Hazlewood to Morne Morkel. Reverse Swing-Out length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bancroft.
Josh Hazlewood to Morne Morkel. Length ball, off stump on the back foot glancing, Play and Miss (Leg Side) to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Josh Hazlewood to Morne Morkel. Length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Cummins.
Josh Hazlewood to Morne Morkel. Reverse Swing-Out half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to cover for no runs, fielded by Bancroft.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-In half volley, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to cover for no runs, fielded by Marsh.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-In length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Cummins.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, missed to wicketkeeper for no runs, fielded by Paine.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-In half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to long on for no runs, fielded by Cummins.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-In length ball, to leg on the front foot working, hit pad back to bowler for no runs, fielded by Starc.
Mitchell Starc to Quinton de Kock. Reverse Swing-In length ball, middle stump on the front foot working, hit pad to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bancroft.
Simply put South Africa need a miracle today to not go 1-0 down in the series. Australia only require one wicket with a full day's play expected and Mitchell Starc will be hoping to get the new ball, which is due, in his hand immediately as he is on a hat-trick. Who would have thought we would have got this far after the early morning collapse of the Proteas batsmen yesterday but Aiden Markram, along with Theunis de Bruyn and Quinton de Kock battled hard, but it looks like it going to be in vain. How long can South Africa hold on for?
Nathan Lyon to Morne Morkel. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to silly point for no runs, fielded by Marsh.
Morne Morkel and Quinton de Kock make it through to the end of play but it seems to be only delaying the inevitable. Australia will come back tomorrow needing one wicket to take the lead in the series. There were two big clusters of wickets which killed off South Africa, firstly this morning to leave them 49-4 and then Mitchell Starc with the old ball tonight as the light was fading. In between this, Aiden Markram played the knock of his life as he attempted to close the gap and potentially get his team over the line. He had a couple of helpful partnerships with Theunis de Bruyn and de Kock but unfortunately there wasn't enough from anybody else. Come back tomorrow for the finale of this fascinating Test match.
Nathan Lyon to Morne Morkel. Off break length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Marsh.
Nathan Lyon to Morne Morkel. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to silly point for no runs, fielded by Marsh.
APPEAL! Nathan Lyon to Morne Morkel. Off break length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, hit pad for no runs, appeal made for L.B.W. Australia ask the question but it looks to be sliding down.
Nathan Lyon to Morne Morkel. Off break length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, to short leg for no runs, fielded by Bancroft.
Nathan Lyon to Morne Morkel. Off break length ball, to leg on the front foot defending, inside edge to backward square leg for no runs, fielded by Starc.
Steven Smith to Quinton de Kock. Leg spinner length ball, outside off stump on the back foot Steer, to backward point for no runs, fielded by Starc.
Steven Smith to Quinton de Kock. Leg spinner length ball, outside off stump moves in front, hit pad to gully for no runs, fielded by Warner.