Update on the gentleman’s game 3 test South Africa vs Australia.

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All cricket games start off with the toss of a coin. The captain that wins the toss has the choice to either bat first or bowl first. In most cases the teams would discuss the matter prior to the toss. Things the pitch, weather, wind, etc. conditions would have a Hugh in picking between batting and bowling.

For this game the South African skipper won the toss and decided to bat first. His decision was based on the fact that the grass on the pitch was a lot more loser and this will not help the bowlers. Also the fact that the weather was clear and with clear weather you have less aid for the bowlers. This would mean that all the bowlers would have will be there skills.
The decision to bat first would not have been looking to good after the opening batsman Markram losing his wicket early. However, the second wicket partnership was 69 runs and there was no seam movement at all.

The third wicket partnership was over 100 runs between De Villiers and opener Elgar. With 220 for 2 South Africa were definitely on their way to a Hugh score. Then just as it looked like it was South Africas day the Australians came back and took 6 wickets for only 37 runs .
So it can be said that the first day was shared between the two sides. With South Africa having 2 more wicket the morning season was very important. If the Australian could get them out cheaply it would be an advantage to them. If the South African Tail( the bowlers whose job is not to bat)would hit some lusty blows and add 75 to 100 runs the advantage would be South Africa’s. Well they add another 50 to 60 run and ended at 311 all out. South Africa owes their success to opening batsman Elgar with 141 runs not out.

AUSTRIALIA started the innings like a house on fire. Warner in practical hitting 30 runs in just 14 balls. He was most aggressive with Rabada’s bowling. A strategy I think to put Rabada off. Well at the end Rabada won as he bowl Warner out with the stumps cartwheeling. Imagine if both Warner and Rabada had a blow out in the middle. Both players on one demerit point before suspension. It was nice to see both players controlling there emotions and just walked away. So the demerit systems seem to work.

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Then just like the South African innings the Australians lost 5-6 wickets for little runs. If it was not for Lyon who showed resistance hitting 47 runs with a partnership of passing 50 runs together with Paine . Paine is still not out with 33 runs at stumps end of day two.

The Australians are still trailing with 70 runs and have just one wicket . It again looks like the morning season is going to be important. If Australia can still show more resistance it will leave the game all even. If South Africa can get the last wicket cheaply .they will have the advantage going into the second innings.

With both captains not doing well on both sides it seems like if one of them coming to form will have a great impact in the outcome of the game. Its only time that will tell. For now let’s enjoy day 3