South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test - Who Said What

South Africa thrashed the hapless visitors by 322 runs in the third Test in Cape Town and have taken an unassailable lead of 2-1 in the series. Morne Morkel ripped apart the Australian line-up in the second innings and scalped an amazing five-wicket haul to return with the figures of 5/23. There was no intent whatsoever from the Australian batsman as they were shocked after their actions on the field the other day. However, it was a dominating performance from South Africa who hammered Australia with utter disdain.

After winning the toss, the home side had posted 311 runs which were considered below par as they had collapsed from being 220/2. Dean Elgar was the hero for them in the first who carried the bat right through by scoring 141 runs. Australia, in response, crumbled courtesy some brilliant bowling from Morkel and Kagiso Rabada. South Africa earned a crucial lead of 56 runs in the first innings.

However, the second innings was marred by the ‘pre-planned’ ball tampering controversy as Cameron Bancroft was caught clearly on cameras while trying to change the condition of the ball. Also, Steve Smith and David Warner had to step down from their respective positions as its consequence after the former accepted the mistake in the press conference. Both Bancroft and Smith were also charged with heavy sanctions.

Meanwhile, amidst all the controversy, the hosts posted 373 in their second innings setting the target of 430 in front of the Australians. But what transpired later was absolutely bizarre as Australia folded for just 107. Their openers had started off well and added 57 runs for the first wicket only to collapse once again which was somewhere down the line expected given the off-field events over the last 24 hours.

It was a thoroughly dominating performance from the home side as they would love to seal the series in Johannesburg which will start on March 30.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said:

It was proper power alright, I think it was 60 runs for 10 wickets [sic]. We felt that they were going to come out fighting for one or two wickets, but we knew if we get one or two, we would run through them. I’ve got a really good attack and to put a total on the board and then bowl them 50 underneath that.

Our batting has been exceptional, Deano this match has been good and AB the whole series has been fantastic. The nature of the Test series is such that there are runs to be scored in the first 30-40 overs and both teams have got the capability, as soon as the ball reverses you get a wicket and then you can quickly rush through.

The partnership between Lyon and Paine was very frustrating. He [Lyon] came out and really played his shots, but as I said a 50-run lead on that wicket was going to be more than any on another wicket. The Newlands wicket played really well – there was a good battle between bat and ball.

Those three seam bowlers are class-acts. Really chuffed for Morne, this is his new home now and couldn’t happen to a better guy. Kesh today – quality spinner and it is really a matter of time before he cashes in again. We were extremely motivated this series. Since that defeat in the first Test in Durban, our motivation levels have doubled.

We feel we are playing some good cricket and I feel there are areas we can improve on and I believe we can put some more pressure on the Australian team with all the off-field stuff going on. There’s a lot for us to work with.”

Man of the Match Morne Morkel said:

Faf just asked the boys to give it all. Keshav created that opportunity for us and we just followed. I’m glad it came in front of this amazing venue. For me the best thing was to keep on working hard and I got the chance to put my hand up and deliver as a senior player.

As a young boy, you dream of such things (300 wickets) and I’m really delighted. It is about the team and it is not about me. Looking forward to J’Burg.

Losing stand-in captain Tim Paine said:

It’s been a horrible 24 hours and I’d like to take the opportunity to apologise to our fans. From a cricket perspective, today was extremely disappointing, the way we folded in that last 45 minutes. It’s been a real challenge for us, we need to turn ourselves into the cricket team we want to be.

When you are playing against a side as good as South Africa, it’s hard to chase the game. Our bowlers have been okay, but our batters have got plenty of starts but no-one’s got a hundred. At the end of the day, we have to regroup and put on a show for our fans, families and public.

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