Well at the end of the second day of the third test, Australia has hit the front! They will start tomorrow 6/307 after South Africa declared at 9/259.
The star of the show from the Australian's side has without a doubt been Usman Khawaja, who showed tremendous patience and concentration to bat all day, finishing not out for 138 (285).
It hasn't been easy, either. We all know South Africa has a brilliant bowling attack, with the likes of Abbott, Philander and Rabada in fine form. But Khawaja knew when to leave balls, knew when to play them and really showed his teammates how to bat in a test match.
The three debutants enjoyed mixed fortunes. Opener Renshaw went out for 10 and you've got to feel sorry for Maddinson, who went for a duck. But Handscomb looked confident and made 54 - not a bad knock for a first timer.
Thanks for joining me today, it's been a lot of fun. We'll bring you all the action from day three tomorrow. Good night!
In the last over of the day, Abbott's still firing that ball at Starc. He closes the day 3/38 overall. Great bowling from him.
Here's Shamsi with the ball. Big call from the South Africans for a Starc LBW, but the umpire says it's no good.
At 1/79 Shamsi hasn't been the most economical bowler for South Africa today.
Starc is spending plenty of time on strike this evening. Not content with supporting Khawaja, he seems to be intent on making a decent score of his own.
He's on 16, Khawaja on 135.
No - Not Out!
Starc saved by the video review. He's having a good old smile at the crease.
Wicket!
Umpire calls Starc out for LBW, but it'll get reviewed.
With Rabada bowling, Starc hits a four to make a single. He's on four now, only needs one more run to do better than Wade.
His job now is to help Khawaja stay on strike.
We see your daytime collapse and we'll raise you a nighttime collapse. #ausvsa
— adam rozenbachs (@arozenbachs) November 25, 2016
Wicket!
Another one, just like that! Wade left his crease and was caught by wicketkeeper de Kock. Philander the bowler.
Mitchell Starc's next in and Khawaja's starting run out of batting partners! The locals are 23 runs ahead.
Back to top
But Wade smacks a four from the next Rabada ball. Great start from him!
Wicket!
Rabada bowls Maddinson out for a duck! I had an awful feeling that might happen, he never really settled in.
With Khawaja still going strong, Matthew Wade's next in for Australia.
Maddinson still yet to notch up his first score - that was a maiden over from Abbott.
He's gone for a few shots and missed them, so it will do him the world of good to at least one run on the board.
Here's the next newbie, Nic Maddinson from NSW.
Abbott's bowling and throwing everything at the 24-year-old. Maddinson, understandably, looking a little nervy.
Wicket!
Handscomb bowled out by Abbott for 54. A very good effort for the first timer, especially given Abbott has bowled so well all day.
Back to top
Australia hits the front
They are seven runs ahead at the end of that over. I wonder if South African captain Faf du Plessis regrets declaring at 9/259.
Four!
Another one Peter Handscomb, who makes his half century in his first ever test. What a massive effort!
Perhaps we should have had these two opening in the last two tests?!
Four! Four!
Two in a row for Handscomb, who is on a beautiful roll in his first test for Australia!
Not out!
Handscomb DIVES to make into the crease - just in time, that was very nearly another run out!
New Ball!
Philander's going to get first use of the shiny, new ball as twilight descends on Adelaide.
Handscomb is on strike and this is South Africa's big chance to cut this partnership short.
Back to topSearch pagination
1 new post(s) available. View post(s) Dismiss