Australia vs South Africa: 5 ways the Proteas messed up Day 1 at Perth

#5 The bowling change

Philander’s removal from the attack at a time he was in rhythm was certainly surprising

Steyn and Philander were on the mark in the first few overs before falling completely into the short category. When Philander did find his groove against Marsh, with his usual nip and seam, he was taken off the attack to bring Rabada in.

With Steyn clocking 150kmph and bowling with a lot of venom like 3-4 years back, it seemed a decent move. But Steyn was extremely short, despite his pace being right up there, and this helped Warner to dominate him. Philander, meanwhile, had just got into his rhythm and could have worked over Warner if not for a no-ball.

The wrong bowling change saw Warner nicely settle into the pace on offer from Rabada and Steyn and smash them around. The nippy Philander should have been persisted with for an over or two more. Rabada had to be brought into the attack in place of Steyn, who seems better off in short bursts with his refound pace and venom.