Day five blog: First Test Australia vs South Africa at the WACA

South Africa has defeated Australia in the first Test at the WACA by 177 runs.

The WACA has become a fortress for South Africa.  Barry Richards went further claiming ‘home ground advantage’ for the Proteas.  In a dominating performance, South Africa outplayed Australia in every aspect of the match and this without injured stars AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn and no contribution from leading batsman, Hashim Amla.

Man of the Match Kagiso Rabada’s 5/92 is his fourth 5 wicket haul in 9 Test matches.  In fact his first Test match was but one year ago.  

There will be much scrutiny on and by the players and staff of the Australian cricket team in the lead up to the 2nd Test in Hobart.  Shaun Marsh is out of the 2nd Test with a broken finger.  Joe Burns and Callum Ferguson come into the Australia squad.

Hear the Macquarie Radio experts, Damien Fleming and Barry Richards sum up the first Test match from Perth and highlights from the commentary box.

 

Day 5 Lunch AUS 7/263 

With the fall of Mitch Starc, Kagiso Rabada picks up his fourth 5 wicket haul in 9 Tests.  At 21,with an easy, straight and repeatable action there will be many more to come.  His effort and intelligent bowling has captured the imagination of fans and experts.  Faf du Plessis’ adroit understanding of the pitch and his bowlers continues to wear upon the confidence of the host side.

Although Usman Khawaja did not look completely settled during his significant innings of 97, he has proven to selectors he is up for the task.  Hear Damien Fleming and John Emburey describe the 1st session of the final day

 

 

Australia to resume on 4/169

Before play Kepler Wessels suggested to Tom Moody, batsmen focus too much on the possibility of the ball misbehaving due to cracks opening up on the pitch when 99% are likely to be unaffected.

Click play to here Wessels’ thoughts on young quick Kagiso Rabada.

 

 

 

 

Yesterday’s action here