AUS vs SA: Anrich Nortje beats Steve Smith’s defences with a peach towards end of the first day

Anrich Nortje is among the fastest bowlers going around in and he made the ball talk against Australia in the first day of the ongoing Gabba Test in Brisbane. Steve Smith had been piling up runs since he reworked his technique however, it wasn’t enough to stop Nortje from cleaning up his defences. The dismissal came at a time when Australia looked like cruising towards end of day one with just fall of three wickets. 

In the 33rd over of the innings, Nortje came in steaming for a final spell on the day and he got the ball to slightly move off the deck which resulted in Smith's stumps flying. It did look like the ball took the inside edge of Smith on naked eye and was a much-needed breakthrough for the visitors after a 117-run partnership for the fourth wicket.  

Smith indicated signs of movement off the deck after the stumps were castled and he made the long walk back with utter disappointment. Smith’s 68-ball 36 still was a crucial knock in the circumstance however, the dismissal has opened up slight chances for the Proteas to produce a comeback on the second day.

Here’s the video of Smith’s dismissal 

BOWLOLOGY BALL OF THE DAY 🟰 Nortje to Smith 🎯
✅ Seamage#MotorwayOfMovement#AusVSA https://t.co/wD6MKCpycA

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) December 17, 2022

Meanwhile, South Africa were bowled out for 152 in the first innings in just 48.2 overs after losing the toss earlier in the day. Kyle Verreynne was impressive with his 64-run knock while Temba Bavuma scored a handy 38 to take the side to a decent total. For Australia, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon both picked up three wickets each while Scott Boland and Pat Cummins scalped two wickets each.  

Australia in reply, lost David Warner for a golden duck and lost two more wickets in quick succession. At 27 for 3, Travis Head joined with Smith and the pair revived the innings with a crucial partnership. Australia ended the day at 145 for 5 with Head unbeaten on 78 and they still by just seven runs.