AUSTRALIA v SOUTH AFRICA, SECOND DAY TEST, DAY FOUR
SCORE: South Africa 189 and 204, Australia 8-575 declared. Australia win by an innings and 182 runs and lead the three-Test sequence 2-0.
SUMMARY: South Africa’s woeful batting meant they had been at all times up in opposition to it to make Australia bat once more, not to mention take the Boxing Day Test right into a fifth day. Two run-outs ensuing from dangerous mid-pitch mixups did not assist.
The vacationers resumed at 1-15 and misplaced wickets steadily, with solely Temba Bavuma (65) in a position to consolidate his begin and submit an honest rating. But he was additionally on the different finish for the 2 run-outs and will not take pleasure in replays of these self-inflicted disasters.
The injury-depleted Australian assault did its job to perfection, effectively backed up by their fielding. Nathan Lyon gave them a scare when he landed closely on his left shoulder and needed to depart the sector, however the offspinner was again on the bottom a couple of minutes later.
MAN OF THE MOMENT: Mitchell Starc’s finger harm had left him on Wednesday with flecks of blood on his pants. But the Australian left-armer stored battling manfully and bowled higher than his second-innings figures of 1-62 recommend.
KEY MOMENT: Kyle Verreynne has been one South African batsman who can maintain his head excessive. Once Scott Boland trapped him lbw on 33 for his or her fourth wicket, it was a matter of when on Thursday afternoon the match would finish.
STAT OF THE DAY: Some lusty hitting from No.11 Lungi Ngidi (19) took South Africa previous 200 for the primary time in eight Test innings.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There’s a fracture there and a tendon injury, I believe. Painkillers are a wonderful thing. It’s a Test match – I didn’t want to leave the guys a man down.” – Starc (ABC Radio).
