Twitter Reactions: Rabada's five-for puts South Africa in firm command on day 1

Team South Africa faced a heavy defeat in the first Test against Australia recently. The defeat certainly dented their morale as a lead of 1-0 had put the visitors in a commanding position in the four match Test series. To stay afloat in the competition, the hosts desperately need to pull off a win in the second Test. With this backdrop, the action moved to Port Elizabeth for the second Test.

Coming to the game, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first on what looked like a good batting wicket. Cameron Bancroft and David Warner added 98 runs for the opening wicket to put the visitors in the driver’s seat in the first session. Bancroft perished after scoring 38 but Warner went on to score a well compiled 63.

Usman Khawaja (4) had an off day and Steve Smith’s (25) walk down the track to Kagiso Rabada did not pay off well as he was trapped lbw. Rabada then accounted for trapping Shaun Marsh (24) as well to bring South Africa back into the game. Suddenly, the premier South African pacer found some serious control and got rid of Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins in quick succession. Next, he dismissed Mitch Starc as well to complete his five-wicket haul.

The visitors found it hard to comprehend how they slumped from 104/1 to 182/8. Towards the end, Tim Paine (36) batted with the tail to take the Australian total to 243. Certainly, the South African bowlers were happy with their efforts. Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5/98 to his name.

In response to the modest total posted by the visitors, South Africa made a steady start with their openers – Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar – showing intent at the crease. However, a sharp swinging delivery from Pat Cummins managed to dismiss Markram on 11. Kagiso Rabada came in as the night watchman at number three.

Before the day’s play ended, he hit four boundaries, scratchy yet effective, to stay unbeaten on 17 (14) at the stumps. Dean Elgar remained unbeaten on 11 as the hosts finished with 39/1 on the first day. They still trail by 204 runs.

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