Twitter Reactions: AB de Villiers' ton highlights the proceedings on day 3

The ongoing second Test match between Australia and South Africa has already seen a lot of twists and turns. The first day of the match belonged to the hosts with Kagiso Rabada firing in with a five-wicket haul. His heroics with the ball restricted the visitors to just 243 in their first innings. On the second day, stern resistance from Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla highlighted the proceedings for the major part of the day.

While they failed to score runs at will, they certainly were successful in not giving away any free wickets. But both batsmen fell in quick succession and that helped Australia get an edge over South Africa on the day. A couple of more wickets fell in the final session and the Proteas were 183/6. The wicket of Quinton de Kock towards the fag end of the day only worsened the things for the hosts.

However, one big hope for the hosts still managed to hold firm ground on the day. Veteran batsman AB de Villiers remained unbeaten on the day 2 with a sublime fifty to his name. On the third day, he had only the tailenders to bat with. AB de Villiers rallied along pretty well and went on to score a brilliant century that helped South Africa consoldiate their claim on the game with a handy lead.

AB de Villiers found able support from Vernon Philander (36) and Keshav Maharaj (30) as the Proteas posted 382 runs in their first innings. AB de Villiers remained unbeaten on 126 that came off just 146 deliveries with 20 fours and six to his name.

Australia, in their first innings, did not get off to a decent start. Their openers failed to score big and skipper Steve Smith’s dull show on the tour continued. Shaun Marsh perished cheaply as well with Australia being 86/4 at one stage. Usman Khawaja ended up holding the fort for the visitors with an unbeaten fifty on the day.

He found good support from Mitchell Marsh as the two batsmen absorbed a lot of pressure in the final session. Khawaja finished with 71 to his name before Rabada sent him packing in the penultimate over of the day. Australia finished the day with a lead of 41 runs and with 180/5 on the day.

Here is how the fans reacted to the day’s play:

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