Live: Australia desperate for runs on fourth day of second Test

Oh what price for some hindsight?

Nobody doubted that going with four quicks and omitting a specialist spinner when the green monster was revealed at the toss on day one at St George's Park.

The decision especially seemed vindicated early yesterday when South Africa slipped to 6-110, with new man in Scott Boland taking four of those wickets.

But after a torrid day in the field yesterday, what would Australia have given to have been able to call on Nathan Lyon?

Of course, nobody would have expected hero of the first Test in Durban, Josh Hazlewood, to go down with a dodgy belly.

And look, Beau Webster bowled really well in his 19 overs, returning figures of 0-43 but at the most economical of all Australia's bowlers used.

But the three part time spinners, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Nic Maddinson bowled 15 overs 1-65, leaking runs at over four per over.

"If you know you're going to be a man down from the start, you’re probably going with a different make-up, aren’t you?” Mitch Starc said."But unfortunately Josh had a dodgy prawn or something. He'll have fresh legs for the second innings."

Lyon was left to play a supporting role from the sidelines.

"He's been around long enough to put his shoes back on and be the team man that he is. He was that man for most of the day today, whether it's down at fine leg running us drinks or tapping us on the back."I’ve been left out plenty of times and naturally you're disappointed that you don't get to play. He'll get another opportunity," added Starc.

with Reuters