Ryan Harris, Johnson undermine SA
4 March 2014 6:27 AM IST
Hurt by Dale Steyn’s hamstring injury, South Africa failed to bowl Australia out the first time; led by the intent and intensity of Harris and Johnson, Australia skittled South Africa in less than a day.
By stumps, Australia’s lead was 234 runs as the openers moved without drama to 27 for 0 - David Warner was on 25 and Chris Rogers had 1. It is the kind of scenario in which Warner has often thrived in recent times and if he motors along on the fourth morning, Clarke might just call his men in earlier than expected. Whatever the case, South Africa will need a more sturdy batting display than they delivered on day three, when they were dismissed for 287.
Despite losing early wickets, South Africa scored freely during an extended morning’s play, reaching 127 for four off 32 overs at lunch.
But the scoring slowed to a trickle after form batsman AB de Villiers was caught at second slip off Johnson for 14 soon after lunch.
JP Duminy fell to a catch behind by Brad Haddin for four and Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander were forced to defend resolutely in an unbeaten seventh wicket stand of 54.
Only 73 runs were scored off 26 overs between lunch and tea. Du Plessis was on 42 not out after facing 98 balls.
With play starting 30 minutes earlier because of rain which cut 51 overs from the second day’s play, Australian captain Michael Clarke declared overnight.
It proved a shrewd move because there was early movement off the pitch for the bowlers, with South African captain Graeme Smith caught behind off a ball from Harris which seamed away from him. Dean Elgar made 11 before he was superbly caught by Haddin off James Pattinson.
Australia 494/7d & 27/0 (Warner 25*) South Africa 287 (all out; 82.5 overs) (Du Plessis 68, Johnson 4/42.
By stumps, Australia’s lead was 234 runs as the openers moved without drama to 27 for 0 - David Warner was on 25 and Chris Rogers had 1. It is the kind of scenario in which Warner has often thrived in recent times and if he motors along on the fourth morning, Clarke might just call his men in earlier than expected. Whatever the case, South Africa will need a more sturdy batting display than they delivered on day three, when they were dismissed for 287.
Despite losing early wickets, South Africa scored freely during an extended morning’s play, reaching 127 for four off 32 overs at lunch.
But the scoring slowed to a trickle after form batsman AB de Villiers was caught at second slip off Johnson for 14 soon after lunch.
JP Duminy fell to a catch behind by Brad Haddin for four and Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander were forced to defend resolutely in an unbeaten seventh wicket stand of 54.
Only 73 runs were scored off 26 overs between lunch and tea. Du Plessis was on 42 not out after facing 98 balls.
With play starting 30 minutes earlier because of rain which cut 51 overs from the second day’s play, Australian captain Michael Clarke declared overnight.
It proved a shrewd move because there was early movement off the pitch for the bowlers, with South African captain Graeme Smith caught behind off a ball from Harris which seamed away from him. Dean Elgar made 11 before he was superbly caught by Haddin off James Pattinson.
Australia 494/7d & 27/0 (Warner 25*) South Africa 287 (all out; 82.5 overs) (Du Plessis 68, Johnson 4/42.
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