AUS vs SA: Cricket fans rejoice as The Gabba wicket produces another Test classic on Day 1

The Gabba delivered what was expected. The bowler’s paradise lived up to its expectations as a total of 15 wickets fell on day one of the first Test between Australia and South Africa. 

Choosing to bowl first, Australia completely demolished the Proteas' batting line-up, as the Dean Elgar-led side could manage to score only 152 runs in the first innings. After four quick wickets, keeper-batter Kyle Verreynne and Temba Bavuma started to retaliate but soon after the latter's dismissal, the floodgates once again opened.

Verreynne was the only batter to score a half-century for the Proteas in the first innings as the 25-year-old finished on 64 from 96 deliveries. Bavuma on the other hand, missed the line and length as his wickets were shattered while batting on 38. The Aussie quicks stole the show as Mitchell Starc picked three, while skipper Pat Cummins and Scott Boland shared a two-for each. Meanwhile, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon too picked up three wickets.

Like South Africa, Australia’s top order too succumbed under extreme pressure. Opener David Warner was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada on the first ball while Usman Khawaja and Marcus Labuschagne too lost their wickets rather cheaply.

Steve Smith along with Travis Head (78*) tried to build a partnership but just before stumps, Steve (36) was dismissed by Anrich Nortje. Boland, who was sent as a night watchman too lost his wicket on the very last ball of the day. The Aussies at the moment are trailing by seven runs with five wickets remaining.

Here's how Twitter reacted:

Nothing beats Test cricket #AUSvSA https://t.co/qSXDZGyTQH

— Taylor Auerbach (@tauerbach) December 17, 2022