Australia are assured they’ve seen sufficient to point out the choice to play two specialist spinners on a deteriorating SCG wicket towards South Africa will enable them to money in late.
After a weather-affected opening day on Wednesday, Australia went to stumps at 2-147 after dropping Marnus Labuschagne late to Proteas paceman Anrich Nortje (2-26).
Both sides introduced two spinners into the conflict on the SCG, the place the dry wicket historically favours flip.
Australia’s gamble is made extra notable as a result of they lack a authentic part-time medium pacer, with Labuschagne the closest the hosts need to a back-up seamer for Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa introduced 5 bowlers into the match – three quicks and two tweakers, with offspinner Simon Harmer partnering Keshav Maharaj.
While neither discovered success on Wednesday as Labuschagne (79) and Usman Khawaja (54no) took cost, Harmer had a ball rip previous the latter’s bat within the opening session.
“I don’t think I’ve played on a wicket that’s turned from the middle as much as it did today at the SCG,” Labuschagne stated at stumps.
Even with 43 overs misplaced to rain and unhealthy climate on Wednesday, early indicators recommend the pitch will break up extra later within the match.
Man-of-the-hour Nortje famous footmarks had already been laid on the opening day, predicting spinners would play a “massive role”.
That ought to theoretically swimsuit Australia, given they may bowl final and spin-twins Ashton Agar and Nathan Lyon have Travis Head, Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw and Labuschagne for part-time help.
“It was very good that we won the toss and we’re 2-147, because for the little cricket that’s been played there’s already quite a decent set of footmarks,” Labuschagne stated.
“We certainly thought that these conditions were going to spin and not that pace is going to take a back seat, but the real damage is going to be done by the spinners as the game progresses.”
