In response to Australia’s 397 first innings total, the Proteas were reeling at 140/6 at the close of the second day’s play in the opening test match at SuperSport Park on Thursday with a big effort required from the lower order today to save the test that looks in danger of being lost.
By Michael Marnewick
After a good start in the first innings where they had the visitors in trouble at 98/4, a 233 run partnership by centurion duo Marsh (148) and Smith (100) got the Aussies right back into the game, and although only a further 66 runs were added, they were in the driving seat when they put South Africa into bat.
And it wasn’t long before the home side found themselves deep in trouble, losing openers Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen for a paltry 15 runs. Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis didn’t offer much resistance either and they were not in a good place at 43/4. JP Duminy and Ryan McLaren failed to launch which leaves just AB de Villiers to clean up the mess.
He has amassed a handy 52 runs and together with Robin Peterson, the pair simply need to save South Africa’s bacon.
Not to harp on the absence of Jacques Kallis and how his contribution, not only with the bat (and ball) might be missed, but simply his presence, there are questions over the mental toughness if the senior players are not stepping up to fill that void.
It appears to be bigger than anticipated.
Or Australia are THAT good.
The truth is, they were ranked fourth before the Ashes, climbed into third spot and are quite a distance off South Africa who occupy the top ranked status on the ICC world rankings for test cricket. The stats show that Australia have our number more often than not and if rankings are to be believed, it can’t be because they’re more talented than us.
Again, it boils down to how this team prepare and produce on the mental minefield of cricket. This test series is absolutely crucial to how they view themselves. Self-belief going into big tournaments is a critical advantage.
If Australia go into the Cricket World Cup next year off the back of an Ashes whitewash and an away series victory over the top ranked test nation, and they’re playing at home, their self-belief will be high. They are confident anyway (some say arrogant), and if South Africa visit the Antipodes knowing that they can’t beat Australia on their home soil, how will they do it in enemy territory?
That’s why this test match is so important. And why day three – today – is most likely going to be the most important day of the match, indeed the series.
It’s South Africa’s to salvage, or lose.
