Melbourne [Australia], December 26 (ANI): A five-wicket haul from all-rounder Cameron Green put Australia in a position of comfort at the end of the first day’s play of the second Test against South Africa at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, with the scoreboard reading 45/1 for the hosts at the end of day’s play.
At the end of the first day of play, David Warner (32) and Marnus Labuschagne (5) were unbeaten for the Aussies.
South Africa was put to bat first by the hosts. The Proteas top-order was once again exposed in pace-friendly Australian conditions. The pace trio of Green, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland made merry, feasting on SA batters.
Except for skipper Dean Elgar (26), nobody could cross 20-run mark. At Lunch, SA was 58/4, with Khaya Zondo (0) and Kyle Verreynne (0) at the crease. The Proteas were left struggling at 67/5 after lunch.
Then it was wicketkeeper-batter Verreynne and bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen who came to the rescue, helping their side get to the 100-run mark. At Tea, Proteas were 144/5 with Verreynne 40 and Jansen 38.
Both batters hit their respective half-centuries, with Jansen getting his maiden half-century in Tests. They brought up their 100-run stand. The 112-run stand between the duo was broken by Green, who dismissed Kyle for 52 and Jansen for 59. SA was left reeling at 182/7.
The rest of the lower order could not offer any fight and Proteas were bundled out for 189 in 68.4 overs.
All-rounder Green was the pick of the bowlers for Aussies, taking 5/27. This is his first-ever five-wicket haul in Tests. Mitchell Starc took two wickets while Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon took a wicket each.
Starting off their first innings, Australia lost opener Usman Khawaja for just one to pacer Kagiso Rabada. Australia was left at 21/1.
Then Warner and Labuschagne took the Aussies through the remainder of the day without any damage.
Brief Scores: Australia: 45/1 in 12 overs (David Warner 32, Marnus Labuschagne 5, Kagiso Rabada 1/24) against South Africa: 189 (Marco Jansen 59, Kyle Verreynne 52, Cameron Green 5/27). (ANI).
