Kagiso Rabada was phenomenal on a deck that was still good to bat on: Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis led South Africa managed to get past the Australian challenge in the Perth Test after they were bowled out for a small score in the first inning. Despite David Warner and Shaun Marsh getting Australia off to a flying start and having lost a bowler Dale Steyn, the South Africans didn’t give up. They batted extremely well in the second inning; posted a huge chase ahead of the hosts and then young Kagiso Rabada showed everyone why he is someone to be wary off on any surface.

The Aussies tried on day 5, but it wasn’t enough as they were handed over a 177-run defeat in the first Test. After the win Protea skipper, Faf du Plessis said: “It is never easy with two seamers. To run in for 31 overs, KG was phenomenal on a deck which was still good to bat on. To get the results was great achievement for him.”

The opening day of the Test didn’t quite go their way and any team could have well given away the game after that, but they came back really well to eventually win the Test. “We were very disappointed after the first day. We were determined to come back and put some solid performance on day 2. There were a lot of guys putting their hands up. A nice big partnership between JP and Dean to take the game away from the Aussies.” The South African skipper added.

It was the first time a spinner made his debut at the WACA and Keshav Maharaj impressed immediately with a 3-wicket haul in the first inning. Talking about the debutant, Faf said, “He [Keshav Maharaj] had a job today. Obviously did not get the rewards that he would have liked but he was awesome. Bowled good lines and length, and made sure that the scoreboard never moved too quickly for the Aussies. It is always important to have your tail contribute.”

Also check out- Twitter Reactions: South Africa walk away with the WACA Test

The Australians have had a tough time on the field in the last couple of months, first, they lost the Test series 3-0 in Sri Lanka, then the 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the Proteas in the ODI series and they have started this series on a losing note as well.

Skipper Steve Smith definitely had a lot of problems to address and while talking in the post-match presentation he said: “Disappointing. We were in a reasonable position after the first day. We could not capitalise on that. Credit to the way Duminy and Elgar played. They took the game away from us. It was hard to come back from there. We have had a few collapses of late in Test cricket. That has let us down. Something which will have to improve on.”

“We will try and get our best performance. We will have to play better cricket against a quality South African side in Hobart. They have played some good cricket throughout the week. We have got to turn around quickly.” He said.

It was quite easy a call and Kagiso Rabada was named the man of the match for his brilliant bowling. After receiving the award he said: “I am very proud of my team. We lost Dale and he is a key aspect of our team. When Dale was gone, it meant we had to do extra. [On the Perth wicket] It is similar to Wanderers back home. Little bit of a bowler’s paradise, still a bit flat. The ball reversed, Australia also got it to reverse. Australia have got a good batting line-up but we could ask questions. I will be ready for Hobart if I get chosen.” The 21-year-old said.

Also read- AUS v SA, 1st Test Review: South Africa completes impressive win