Australia Vs South Africa 3rd Test: Day 1 – Summary and Analysis

The 4-match test series between Australia and South Africa had been full of controversies and some nail biting action. With both teams having won one test each the series was level by 1-1.

2.   The third test say Day 1 going underway today as both teams looked to be in the winning mode and gain advantage in this series.

3.   South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first on a pitch that appeared suitable to add runs on the board. South Africa’s openers Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar got set on the crease and Josh Hazelwood got hold of the new ball.

4.   Australia got off to dream start as Hazelwood struck early and removed Markram in the 4^th over. He had provided his team with an opening and Australia looked to cash on this opportunity.

5.    However, Hashim Amla and Dean Elgar shared an 86-run partnership to steady South Africa’s ship. But Hazelwood struck again as he removed the mighty hash for only 31 runs.

6. Ab de Villiers now joined his partner on the crease and the pair looked strong as they added a massive 128 to the total.

7. Things were looking quite bleak for Australia as only 2 wickets for 220 runs and South Africa were cruising towards a big total. But, Australian fast bowlers remained persistent and Cummins struck as he went through South Africa’s middle order claiming 4 wickets on the first day.

8. Starc and Mitchell Marsh also joined the party as Philander and Maharaj became a victim of the two bowlers. The day was seen off by Dean Elgar and Rabada as South Africa were standing on 266-8 on the 1^st day of this test match.

9. The 1^st day saw a dominating South Africa with Australia bouncing back at the later part of the day. South Africa may look to extend their lead above 300 while Australia would try to clean up the tail as soon as possible.

10. Do join us tomorrow as an exciting 2^nd day is expected from both teams.

D Elgar

AK Markram

HM Amla

AB de Villiers

F du Plessis (c)

T Bavuma

 Q de Kock

VD Philander

KA Maharaj

K Rabada

M Morkel

DA Warner

CT Bancroft

UT Khawaja

SPD Smith (c)

SE Marsh

MR Marsh

TD Paine

PJ Cummins

MA Starc

NM Lyon

JR Hazlewood