The Proteas would have fancied their chances of bowling Australia out cheaply in the first innings of the first test when they had the visitors four wickets down for just 98 runs early in the day, but resolute batting from century-maker Shaun Marsh and his partner Steve Smith, saved their team from early blushes.
By Michael Marnewick
Given all the bluster and pre-match talk, being bowled out cheaply may well have done irreparable damage to the Aussies’ hopes of a series win, never mind the opening test. Psychology is a big element in cricket and there are many times when a team takes the advantage regardless of the score.
Wickets just before and after lunch, early in the match, or late in the day, are always crucial break-throughs, but must be sustained. South Africa, with the momentum having swung their way as they had the Australians on the ropes, failed to deliver the killer punch and take the advantage.
Instead, Australia will feel that they hold the upper hand. Certainly Marsh’s 122 and Smith’s 91 – a partnership of 199 between the two – swings the balance of power into the visitors’ hands with the scoresheet reading 297/4. Much more so than South Africa’s four wicket haul over the day’s 90 overs.
The Proteas’ record at Centurion is impressive. They’ve lost just once and won 14 times. This out of a total of 18 Tests there. The last time these two teams met at this venue, South Africa emerged victorious by eight wickets, but the test record overall is firmly Australia’s to boast.
Since re-admission in 1992, these two teams have met a total of 35 times in test matches, Australia having won 19 and South Africa 9. The record for tests played in South Africa is equally dismal for the home side. Australia have won 11 of the 17 tests with South Africa claiming just five wins.
Day two on Friday will be big for both sides. A massive collapse from the Aussies is unlikely but even if it were to come about, this test looks safer for them. South Africa must bowl with accuracy and vigour, try to close out the first innings and then look to bat for a day and a half themselves.
And then see what the second innings produces.
