Twitter Reactions: Australia in firm command despite second innings collapse on day 3

Team Australia extended their domination in the first Test against South Africa. The visitors had managed to bundle out the hosts for a paltry 162 in the first innings. Riding on a magnificent bowling spell of 5/34 by Mitchell Starc, the Aussies assumed a firm grip on the game with a first innings lead of 189 runs. Earlier in the game, the Australian innings had wrapped up on 351 on day 2 after Mitch Marsh had top scored with 96 to his name.

Coming to the third day, the Australian side hoped to consolidate their grip on the game even more. Much to their delight, and to the disappointment of the South African team, they ended the day 3 as the superior side. All of this perspired despite the fact that team Australia failed to put up a big score on the board. It was their first innings lead that saw them finish the day with a lead over 400 runs.

Coming to the day’s play, the Australian openers Cameron Bancroft and David Warner started off on a decent note by adding 56 runs for the opening stand. Kagiso Rabada provided the first breakthrough for South Africa by dismissing Warner on 28. Usman Khawaja (6) perished cheaply soon after with Keshav Maharaj coming to the act.

Steven Smith (38) and Shaun Marsh (33) showed brief resistance after Bancroft was dismissed after scoring 53. Mitch Marsh, who had top scored in the first innings failed to get into the double digits on the day. Wickets kept tumbling for Australia with no notable mentions of high scores.

By the end of the day’s play, Australia finished with 213/9 before the bad light stopped play. The hosts would have certainly liked to continue for a little longer to wrap up the final Aussie wicket as well. The Australian lead stands tall with a number as high as 402. Needless to concede, it is only going to get tougher for the hosts from hereon.

Here is how the fans reacted to the day’s play in Durban:

Highest batting average in international cricket…
(min 10000 intl runs)
55.60 – Virat Kohli
50.80 – Joe Root
50.55* – Steve Smith
49.10 – Jacques Kallis
49.00 – Mike Hussey
48.75 – Viv Richards
48.52 – Sachin Tendulkar#SAvAus

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 3, 2018

400 is too many. Can imagine how the South Africans must be feeling. Hmmm. Bowled well in the second innings when it was too late, SA. 4-0 is kinda unavoidable. #SAvAUS

— Jaanvi ? (@ThatCricketBuff) March 3, 2018

Bad light again? Oh FFS! There should be a 6th day to make up for the shit weather ??‍♀️ #RSAvAUS #SAvAUS ?

— HusseyKatichCowan (@GenXMouse) March 3, 2018

I guess South Africa can rest all their key players in the 4th innings. To prepare for the 2nd test. #SAvAUS

— CIG (@chandu21) March 3, 2018

Would have liked a lead of 500 but will settle for 400 hope the wicked doesn’t suddenly become batter friendly #SAvAUS

— jude ⚓️⚓️? (@JB_1050) March 3, 2018

Sure thing our bowling unit can take twenty wickets but the batting unit is not backing them with a good score #SAvAUS

— Sandile Wela (@SandileWela) March 3, 2018

Think Test cricket should not go to Durban anymore… We always have Bad Light problem. #SAvAUS #SABCcricket

— Phumlani F Msomi (@Phumania) March 3, 2018

it gets too dark at 4.25pm in Srh Africa? it's summer!! how's that work?? AND if it's a known thing, start earlier! #SAvAUS

— Adam Busby (@realAdamBusby) March 3, 2018

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