Australia started their first innings with intent as they scored at just under six runs an over to reach 67-2 by lunch on day two of the third Test against South Africa at Newlands.
They trail South Africa by 244 runs having bowled them out for 311 earlier in the first session.
David Warner was the chief destroyer for the visitors as he punished Kagiso Rabada and scored 14 runs off the world’s best bowler’s second over. But his explosive innings of 30 off just 14 balls was soon over. After taking 10 runs in consecutive balls off Rabada, he had his off-stump taken out of the ground by the fiery fast bowler.
Despite losing the wicket of Warner, Australia still scored at a healthy rate.
Morne Morkel picked up his 298th Test wicket when he had Usman Khawaja caught by Rabada for just five runs. Baggy Greens captain Steve Smith (four) and Cameron Bancroft (22) were able to see Australia to lunch.
The Australians began the day’s play with all the momentum, but Dean Elgar, who reached his century on Thursday afternoon, was able to hold them off in the first session along with Rabada.
The Proteas experienced a monumental collapse in the final session on day one, and after starting the second day on 266-8, their main objective would have been to get over the 300-run mark, which they did.
READ MORE: Proteas capitulate at Newlands
Rabada has displayed his ability with the bat in this series, and he did so once again with a very useful contribution in the lower order, scoring 22 before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon.
Considering the late collapse towards the end of the first day, South Africa would have been happy with the total they ended up on.
South Africa 311 (1st innings): Dean Elgar 141*, Ab de Villiers 64; Pat Cummins 4-78, Nathan Lyon 2-43
Australia 67-2 (1st innings): David Warner 30, Cameron Bancroft 22; Morne Morkel 1-5, Kagiso Rabada 1-43
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
