South Africa v Australia – 2nd Test – Match Update
South Africa has lost both openers in a first hour’s play dominated by the Australian bowling attack. The second Test match is currently being played at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, November 17, 2011.
Graeme Smith, the Proteas skipper won the toss and opted to bat first in an unchanged lineup from the first Test, however, could only manage nine when left-arm pacer, Mitchell Johnson got his scalp. Johnson bowled an off-side delivery, which straightened
after pitching and got a healthy edge to skipper, Michael Clarke who safely holed on at second slip.
Jacques Rudolph, the other opener started briskly with a string of boundaries mainly of Johnson. He looked fluent in his knock but failed to deal with the medium pace of all-rounder, Shane Watson and departed after making 30.
This brought veteran, Jacques Kallis to the crease and he opened his account with a bludgeoning stroke through the off side region off Peter Siddle.
In a must win game for the tourists, the team made two changes to their lineup from the loss suffered in the first Test match. Patrick Cummins, the young teenage fast bowler got his baggy green cap and started ahead of pacer, Ryan Harris, who suffered a
hip injury and is forced to fly back home.
The other starter was Pakistani born, Usman Khawaja who came in for the injured Shaun Marsh. The left-hander last played in Sri Lanka and will be looking to impress his skipper with some good showings in the match.
Currently, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis have occupied the crease and have guided the team to 62 in the 18 overs.
The game has been termed crucial for the careers of Ricky Ponting and Johnson, both of whom have been under considerable pressure following the dismal showing in the first Test.
The pacer has made a strong claim with the wicket of the Proteas skipper and recently signed for Perth Scorchers, which will allow him to play in the inaugural KFC Big Bash tournament, which starts from next month.
The hosts will be looking on the current pairing to guide the team safely to the lunch interval.