Australia and South Africa began their 3 match test series on Saturday at the Gabba ground at Brisbane. The series is important for both the teams as far as the World Test Championships points are concerned.
Series win for Australia will confirm their place in the final of the WTC ahead of the huge tour of India. if South Africa wins, they will solidify their chances to make it to the final putting India under pressure. This is also the first time in 4 years the two teams are meeting since the 2018 Australian tour of SA.
The story so far –
Pat Cummins was back after missing the Adelaide test versus West Indies. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. The pitch at Gabba wore a green look as the fast bowlers were expected to play a major role.
Rabada bowls a peach to get rid of Warner 1st ball –
Playing his 99th test match, David Warner came out to bat with Usman Khawaja. The South African team opened with Kagiso Rabada with a new ball. The very 1st ball Rabada bowled one short to Warner.
The left hander tried to fend off the ball, but got a thick edge which flew to the short leg region. Khaya Zondo did not take his eyes of the ball as he jumped up to take a one handed catch. Warner was stunned as he did not expect such a start and was out for a golden duck.
What a ball & What a catch - It has been brilliant cricket on Day 1.pic.twitter.com/0hLXTHq7K7
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 17, 2022
Australia blow away South Africa for 152 –
Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon picked 3 wickets each, while Cummins and Boland to pick 2 wickets. The visitors were bowled out for a mere 152 in the 49th over on the 1st day’s play. South Africa were in trouble early when they were reduced to 27/4 with Starc getting 2 wickets, while Cummins and Boland got 1 each.
The visitors came back into the contest thanks to a 98 run stand between Bavuma and Verreynne. The South African wicket keeper attacked to score 64 off 96 balls with 8 fours and a six in his innings. Starc who is on 299 wickets could have got number 300 had Travis Head held onto to the catch of Rabada.