Aussie star lays down challenge to Proteas as great slams ‘pathetic’ scenes – LIVE
Australia’s chances of victory in the second Test in Gqeberha were all but ended by Temba Bavuma’s spectacular century – but a star believes South Africa’s task from here is just as tough. Live updates below!
Australia’s chances of victory in the second Test in Gqeberha were all but ended by Temba Bavuma’s spectacular century – but a star believes South Africa’s task from here is just as tough. Live updates below!
The visitors endured a torrid Day 3 at St George’s Park, as Bavuma’s 179 combined with 85 from No.8 Marco Jansen and 82 from No.9 Simon Harmer to take the Proteas from 5/97 to 9/425 declared.
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MATCH CENTRE:Live scores, updates and more!
Making matters worse, Nic Maddinson fell for a duck in the first over as the Aussies endured a challenging four-over burst before stumps to finish the day on 1/3.
While Days 4 and 5 will be extended due to the rain-affected first two days, Australia’s chances of surging to a first-innings lead and leaving themselves time to take 10 further Proteas wickets look slim.
However, star fast bowler Mitchell Starc is adamant it’s the hosts rather than them that need to make the play for the remainder of the match.
“We’re 1-0 up, so it’s on South Africa,” he told SEN.
When asked what Australia’s strategy would be, Starc’s answer was simple: “Just bat, and see where we get to”.
Former Australian opener David Warner also lamented the continued low crowds in Gqeberha, following on from poor attendances in the first Test in Durban.
“We keep hearing how important Test cricket is, but where are the fans in South Africa?” he wrote on X.
“Empty stands, no atmosphere, and we’re supposed to believe the format is thriving?
“You can’t keep calling Test cricket the pinnacle of the game if no one turns up to watch it.
“Harsh reality, but someone has to say it. Pathetic.”
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Match details
Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha
First ball: 6:45pm (AEDT)
Watch it live: On Fox Cricket (channel 501), and streaming on Kayo, from 6pm (AEDT)
Teams
Australia: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabda, Anrich Nortje
