AUS vs SA: David Warner's historic double century puts Australia in driver's seat

After ending the first day of the second Test on a high note, Australia continued their dominance even on the second day and put visitors South Africa on the back foot. Thanks to David Warner and his glorious double-century, Australia ended the second-day scoring 386/3 with a lead of 197 runs. But with two of their key players getting injured, the team will be under pressure moving forward.

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada provided his side with an early breakthrough on the first day when he dismissed Usman Khawaja. Warner and Marnus Labuschagne started the proceedings on the second day. They built up the innings well and put up a 54-run partnership for the second wicket but a mix-up between the duo led to Labuschagne’s dismissal as the in-form batter walked off after a run-out.

But what followed next was sheer dominance by the hosts. Warner and Smith joined hands to put up an emphatic 239-run stand for the third wicket and put their side in a supreme position. Though Smith struggled, Warner was quick in getting runs, as he score 144 runs in their 239-run stand before Smith walked off.

Warner, who was playing his 100th Test match, made the day memorable by notching up a century and then converting it into a double ton. Warner bagged his double century just after Smith’s dismissal and became the first-ever Australian cricketer to hit 200 in the 100th Test match. An ecstatic Warner burst into celebration on achieving the feat and jumped high in joy, but that did no good to him as he hurt his leg while landing and had to walk off the field retired hurt.

Injury concerns loom over both teams

Travis Head and Cameron Green carried the game forward thereon, but the latter walked off the field soon after incurring an injury to his finger. The all-rounder became the second Australian player to retire hurt in the game. Australia will be concerned ahead of the third day. With Mitchell Starc out of the game owing to his injury, Cameron Green was a crucial part of their playing combination.

South Africa too will be concerned as pacer Lungi Ngidi walked off the field after a cramp. Though Australia have lost just three wickets, two of their batters are hurt which is not a good sign as they aim to clinch the three-match series. Travis Head and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey will resume Australia’s innings on the third day and will be hoping for the timely recovery of Warner and Green, the two key players.

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