AUS v SA, 2nd Test Day 1 Review: Vernon Philander plunders conditions to make Aussies pay

View : 119

2 Min Read

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 12:  Vernon Philander of South Africa celebrates after taking the wicket of Usman Khawaja of Australia during day one of the Second Test match between Australia and South Africa at Blundstone Arena on November 12, 2016 in Hobart, Australia.  (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
info
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 12: Vernon Philander of South Africa celebrates after taking the wicket of Usman Khawaja of Australia during day one of the Second Test match between Australia and South Africa at Blundstone Arena on November 12, 2016, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Vernon Philander played the role of wrecker-in-chief for the Proteas as the Australians were blasted out for a paltry 85 in the first innings of play. In spite of the absence of Dale Steyn, the Proteas managed some impressive bowling as Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada also impressed with some incredible bowling acumen as the Proteas managed to help themselves to an impressive first innings lead.

While the Proteas won the toss, it was clear that the overcast conditions would come in to make an impact on the first day itself. As a result, the first 30 minutes were washed out when rain made its very own divine intervention before David Warner and Joe Burns came out to bat. While Joe Burns was one of the changes who made their way to the side, Joe Mennie, and Callum Ferguson were handed their ‘baggy green’ caps.

However, while many would have certainly expected an arduous start from David Warner, it was clear that the Hobart Crowd would be the one to break the shackles and get the Aussies off to a flier. However, the sixth ball of the Test match was something that ensured that South Africa was in with a fighting chance of securing a series win.

A rash shot from a wide delivery from Vernon Philander ensured that he was dismissed in the first over of the day. What followed was an exodus of Australian batsmen making it back to the haven of the dressing room over after over. And, it was Vernon Philander who was making all the inroads, to say the least.

Also read – Adam Gilchrist reveals three current best batsmen in the world

Kyle Abbott also came into the act as he dismissed the dangerous Joe Burns when the latter was trapped leg-before only in the second over of the day. Usman Khawaja also could not make amends as his outside-edge found its way to Hashim Amla positioned at first slip. Things went from bad to worse the very next delivery when Adam Voges too was undone by some terrific bowling from Vernon Philander.

An edge from a near-perfect delivery from him ensured that the Aussies were on the receiving end of the yardstick. Callum Ferguson’s debut was consummated by a bizarre run-out when Dane Vilas, the substitute fielder dismissed him from the boundary line.

Unfortunately, it was only Steve Smith who slammed more than half the runs for the Australians in the grand scheme of things with 48 runs. While the Aussie skipper would eventually remain unbeaten, the fact of the matter remained that he and Joe Mennie were the only batsmen who ensured that their respective scores went beyond the threshold and make a score into double figures.

The South Africans made a decent and solid start to their innings as Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar impressed with some impressive batting. They batted without losing their wicket prior to the tea session and also managed to smash the ball to different parts of the ground as they did. Mitchell Starc however, made a comeback to the grand scheme of things with a fiery spell a few short minutes following the tea session.

Also read – Twitter Reactions: South Africa bowlers run riot as Aussies blasted out for 85

He removed Cook, Elgar, and JP Duminy in quick succession as the Proteas, for the first time looked as though they were going to be bowled out before the close of play. Only an impressive innings from Hashim Amla saved the Aussies of their blushes as the Proteas managed to gain the upper-hand. Temba Bavuma also smashed a few runs towards the end. What was the most important aspect of it all was the fact that Bavuma and Quinton de Kock managed to remain unbeaten at the close of play, something they can hopefully capitalize on the following day.

Australia, 1st innings: 85 all out (S Smith 48*; V Philander 5/2)

South Africa, 1st innings: 171/5 (H Amla 47; M Starc 3/49)

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:

googletelegraminstagramwhatsappyoutubethreadstwitter

Download Our App

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS and Google Play Store