SA v AUS, Day 1: Twitter reacts as the game balance kept swinging between both the sides

The much-anticipated Test series between South Africa and Australia began today. The Australian team has never lost a series in the rainbow nation till date. They will hope to continue their good run in the Protea soil while the South African team will look to settle the scores. Also, this is the last international series for Morne Morkel and the Proteas will want to bid him a good farewell.

In the first Test between the two sides, South Africa looked in a better position. The balance of the game kept swinging between both the sides throughout the day. Australia was rattled early just in the 6th over after their opener Cameron Bancroft walked back to the pavilion. He was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada early on while Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj managed to pick two wickets.

Steve Smith- The man for Australia

After losing two early wickets, the Australian captain and vice-captain tried to stabilize the innings. Both David Warner and Steve Smith got off to a good start. Both of them got to their half-centuries but failed to carry their innings further on. They got out immediately after reaching the 50-run mark. It was a similar case with Shaun Marsh as he looked good early in his innings but got out on 40.

Mitchell Marsh and wicketkeeper Tim Paine are currently out in the middle and will hope to stitch up a good partnership. The play was called off due to bad light with just 76 overs bowled. The umpires didn’t look happy with the conditions and decided to call it stumps. David Warner, speaking at the close of play said that they lost two wickets too many. He said that that the Protea bowlers were excellent with the new ball.

Keshav Maharaj said that it is important for the batsmen to be patient out there in the middle. He added that it gets easier if batsmen prolong their stay in the middle. Twitterati, as usual, gave their opinions about the day’s play today.

Here are the best tweets from today’s play:

What is brain fade?
Smith facing spinners..???#SAvAUS

— Venkat Narukurthi (@VNarukurthi) March 1, 2018

What's happening to South Africa's Cricket pitches ! Slowly they r becoming like Asian pitches #SAvAUS #spin

— Hitesh Sree Vamsi (@Hiteshsreevamsi) March 1, 2018

Long walk off for Bancroft. Where's a whiteboard when you need one. #SAvAUS

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) March 1, 2018

Another day called off due to "BAD LIGHT"With Spectators being less than the players, staff and match officials together. Test match under the lights(day & night)should be considered more by the @ICC to bring back those golden days for test #AUSvsSA @Cricketracker @cricbuzz #day1

— Stump Mic (@stumpmic_) March 1, 2018

I see that Australia are sticking to their successful Ashes tactic of getting Smith in as early as possible to score all their runs. #SAvAUS

— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket) March 1, 2018

Allan Border criticizing Quinton for taking that catch one handed. Did QDK take the catch? YES! So what is he complaining about? Just a typical Aussie trying to find fault where there is none. #SAvAUS

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) March 1, 2018

“I will go to bed when Steve Smith gets out.” #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/UjSF6CZU8O

— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) March 1, 2018