Australia v South Africa, 1st Test, Day 2 - 5 Talking Points

The day two of the opening Test between South Africa and Australia at the WACA was a highly exciting affair. Australia, who had gained complete control over the proceedings lost their upper hands today after the Proteas bowling attack made a surprising comeback and bowled them out for just 244 runs before the tea session.

The South Africans, despite losing Dale Steyn due to injury in the first session, showcased a highly appreciable bowling display and brought their team back into the game being pummeled by Warner initially. The Australia were made to completely lose their track and could muster only 86 runs after losing Warner in the morning session. The visitors then batted cautiously and made 104 for the loss of two wickets at stumps.

1. Mark Nicholas delivers commentator’s curse:

English commentator Mark Nicholas today left the Australian fans in distraught and annoyed after he delivered the commentators curse. The ongoing opening Test between Australia and South Africa witnessed a bizarre incident in the 14th over of the day when Nicholas was talking about the fact that Warner, who was on swansong, had never got out in the 90’s before.

The Brit was full of praise of Warner and stated that the Vice captain had been never dismissed in the 90s in Test matches. The left-hander was batting on 97 at that time and ironically, Steyn claimed his wicket off the very next delivery. The batsman was left dejected on missing out the century. But it was Nicholas’ and his statistical talk which caught everyone’s attention.

2. Shane Warne rants about DRS:

Spin bowling legend Shane Warne, who is currently a part of the commentator’s team in the ongoing Test series, had a very frustrating day in the commentary box. First of all, he was left in disbelief due to the Nicholas’ commentator’s curse and Warner’s dismissal. Few overs later, frustration crept in the minds of Warne after Smith was given out LBW off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj’s bowling in the 42nd over.

Australia skipper Smith unsuccessfully reviewed an lbw decision against the bowler who enjoyed the benefit of the umpire’s call and claimed his maiden Test wicket. Reacting to the controversial decision, Warne called for scrapping the ‘Umpire’s call’ from the Decision Review System. Umpire Aleem Dar judged Smith to be out initially after he was struck on the pads while advancing down the pitch.

Smith immediately signaled for a review but despite being out of the crease by a good distance, the tracking system showed the ball to be clipping leg stump, which resulted in the third umpire sticking with Dar’s original decision and send an unhappy Smith on his way for a four-ball duck.

3. Dale Steyn ruled out:

South Africa suffered a huge blow today after Dale Steyn had to be taken off the field due to a shoulder trouble. The fast bowling spearhead was left with a painful shoulder in his 13th over just 42 minutes before the Lunch session.

He was taken to the hospital for further Medical tests after being attended by team physiotherapist Brandon Jackson and was later seen sitting in the dressing room with heavy strapping on his shoulder.

Scans later revealed that he had fractured his right shoulder and had been consequently ruled out of the series. The fast bowler started off well this morning claiming the wicket of the dangerous David Warner to give the Proteas the first breakthrough.

Also read: Australia v South Africa, 1st Test Day 2 Review: Gritty South Africa leads the fightback

4. South Africa bowl themselves back into the contest:

The South Africa fast bowling was reduced to just two frontline seamers – Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada – after Steyn had to be taken out of the field. Faf du Plessis had a reason to worry. But, as it turned, the Philander-Rabada duo proved to be enough to bundle out the opposition and bowl their team back into the contest.

The Aussies could add only 86 runs after Warner’s departure and tumbled down from 158/1 to 244 all out, managing just a 2 run lead after starting blazingly yesterday. Philander chipped in with four wickets, Rabada snapped two while left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj emerged as the surprise weapon and ended with a three wickets to his name.

5. Contest even: 

South Africa came out to bat for the second time in the match in the last session. After a slightly steady start, opener Stephen Cook Became was snapped by Peter Siddle after putting 35 runs for the first wicket. An immediate setback followed after Hashim Amla was cleaned by Josh Hazlewood in the 21st over.

Dean Elgar (46) and JP Duminy (34), however, ensured no further casualties and helped South Africa finish at a healthy 104 runs on the scoreboard. The game now stands at an interesting position where both teams have an equal opportunity of getting ahead and win the match.

Australia may have lost their edge today but if they manage to wind up the opposition n quick time on day three then there is good chance for them to grab the match. Whereas, The Proteas need to make sure they bat  for the full day and pile on a huge match – winning lead.