Australia vs South Africa first Test, Aussies win at Gabba as pitch slammed, David Warner out cheaply
Australia has “run rampant” at the Gabba to stun South Africa and win the first Test inside two days.
But there was a late twist to the intriguing match, with Kagiso Rabada taking four quick wickets to have the hosts shaking before they inevitably chased down the measly target.
It’s only the second time a Test match in Australia has finished without a third day being required.
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Day two started with Marco Jansen breaking the partnership of Travis Head and Cameron Green by dismissing both of them in one over.
Australia was bowled out for a lowly 218 – just 66 runs clear of the Proteas – but it was after that the madness truly started.
South Africa was rolled for 99 runs, leaving the Aussies with a tiny target.
Australia achieved the chase, but not before losing four wickets, including embattled David Warner who fell for 3.
Warner out cheaply again as Australia close out win
“Never for one second did I think we would be packing up the trucks and the suitcases after day two… not at all,” New Zealand great Ian Smith said in commentary.
“I thought both teams would bat better than they have.”
Smith and his fellow commentators sounded less than impressed with the batting on display in Brisbane.
“(Australia) are truly running rampant here at the Gabba,” Adam Gilchrist said at one point.
While the bowling was good and the batting not so much, the focus in the aftermath will no doubt fall on the pitch.
Even by the end of day two the deck was green with a heavy covering of thick grass.
“I do think this has been tipped too heavily in the bowlers’ favour on this occasion,” Gilchrist said.
Kerry O’Keeffe suggested the Gabba curators may have some questions to answer on Monday.
“I sense the pitch is going to be the back-page lead, I think that’s the story,” O’Keeffe said on Fox Cricket.
“Was it a suitable pitch for these two powerhouses to go at each other?”
South African great Shaun Pollock replied, “I would say no”.
“You do feel the curators got it slightly wrong.”
Mark Waugh said late in the day, “the pitch is just a little too juicy, isn’t it?”.
“I would have to say this pitch would get a below-average rating, unfortunately.”
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