South Africa vs Australia: Day One

The short series of 2 test matches between South Africa and Australia is being seen as the battle supreme, and fittingly so. The day 1 of first test match at Cape Town produced some spell bounding batting and bowling performances. After only 55 overs of play on day 1, one can say that both the teams have chances of coming back. Australia though, have lost 8 wickets, have their skipper and in form Michael Clarke at the crease unbeaten on 107. Day 2 promises much more fun provided that weather holds good.

Dale Steyn was by yards the best bowler of the day and his figures of 4-31 should have been much more improved, he was aptly supported by Vernon Philander. The inclusion of Philander in the side was a bit of surprise given Tsostsobe’s good form in T20′s, however he did his part by taking 3 wickets for 54 runs. Morkel, Tahir and Kallis were less impressive and went for more than 4 runs per over, a punishment handed to them by Michael Clarke.

From Australia’s point of view Michael Clarke was hero of the day, scoring an unbeaten 107 of 114 balls, he scored these runs at an astonishing rate of over 93 runs per 100 balls. Special punishment was given to Kallis who went for more than 6 runs per over. He formed a crucial partnership with Shaun Marsh, who was the second highest scorer for Australia. Marsh scored 44 and looked in good touch until he was trapped in front of wicket by Steyn. Hashim Amla had a decent outing in his first test as Captain, however we might need more innings to judge him as a good or a bad skipper. Ponting yet again failed to impress and looks like he will soon face the axe unless he scores in the remaining 3 innings of test series.

Day 2 holds much more in store for avid cricket fans, who will be hoping that bad light and weather will not play spoilsport again. Clarke however has stolen the limelight away from Steyn for day 1, to score at astonishing strike rate of 93 in test cricket is a feat in itself. Australia will fancy a score in the range of 250-270, however that will depend on how tailenders will support their skipper. A promising day of cricket ahead to look forward for cricket fans around the world.