Twitter Reactions: Markram shines as honors shared at close of play

The current Test match at the Wanderers in Johannesburg was more of a psychological battle for Australia than contest on the cricket pitch. On the other hand, the South Africans had an opportunity to turn over the visitors for the maiden time in the Rainbow nation. The game was also special for the Proteas for the fact that Morne Morkel was plying his trade one final time in international cricket.

Both teams trotted on the ground with contrasting mindsets. While the Aussies were depleted, the Proteas were oozing with confidence. After Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat first, the first couple of sessions were completely dominated by their batsmen. Though Dean Elgar couldn’t pile on a big score, he along with Aiden Markram stitched together a healthy half-century stand .

Nathan Lyon drew first blood for the Aussies, however, Hashim Amla and Markram carried on and built another solid stand, much to the agony of Tim Pane’s men. However, Markram racked up his fourth Test century in the post-lunch session. Thereafter, he notched his highest Test score of 152 runs. Meanwhile, AB de Villiers played some scorching strokes to score a quick-fire knock.

Cummins and Sayers saves the day for Australia

Nevertheless, Patrick Cummins nipped out Markram and Faf du Plessis in the same over to garner some momentum into their bowling. de Villiers and Temba Bavuma tried to resurrect the team from the couple of jolts with a half-century stand. However, Chadd Sayers nipped out his maiden Test wicket in the form of de Villiers.

To multiply Sayers’ joy, he picked up his second in the same over when Kagiso Rabada unsuccessfully attempted to clear the mid-off region. Meanwhile, Bavuma, who looked jittery in the Cape Town Test following his injury layoff, looked determined and expertly staved off the venom spewed by the Aussie pace battery. Following the day’s play, Twitter praised Markram and South Africa for their stupendous shows on the field.

Here are the reactions