NewsBite

Australia v South Africa: Follow all the action from day two at the MCG

David Warner’s MCG double ton has been compared to one of the gutsiest knocks in Australian cricket history as he was forced to retire hurt after reaching 200.

Russell Gould and Tim Michell
21 min read
December 28, 2022 - 7:41AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Warner's wonderful day - Highlights from his milestone 200

David Warner entered the Boxing Day Test prepared, even eager, to fight.

He’d endured a 1086 day wait littered with as many turbulent times as batting near misses, with the critics circling, demanding a strength of character few could boast as he searched for his 25th Test century.

When he limped from the MCG half way through the final session of day two, retired not out, beyond exhaustion, soaked in sweat, legs cramping, face grimacing, close to tears, with a massive 200 runs beside his name, having ground the wilting South African bowlers in to a directionless mess in baking Melbourne heat, Warner’s fight was well and truly won.

He ended the day in the bowels of the stadium covered in ice packs, receiving medical treatment having given all he could to register his third highest score in Tests, the second-highest by any player in their 100th Test, and put Australia on course for a series-sealing win.

David Warner celebrates reaching his double century on a gruelling day. Picture: AFP
David Warner celebrates reaching his double century on a gruelling day. Picture: AFP

Warner had silenced the doubters and answered the critics with an innings his strongest supporter said was always coming because back-against-the-wall Warner is the best Warner of all.

Only the late afternoon dismissal of his long-time batting brother Steve Smith, his fellow fall guy for the sandpaper scandal, and a finger injury which forced day one hero Cameron Green to retire hurt, dampened a day which will live long in the memories of all who witnessed an innings for the ages.

In 37C heat so stifling chairs were needed for the batters at drinks break, Warner and Smith carved out an epic 239-run stand which left the Proteas flagging but also took a physical toll the effects of which may only to be fully revealed in the coming days.

Warner is helped from the ground. Picture: Michael Klein
Warner is helped from the ground. Picture: Michael Klein
The heat takes its toll. Picture: Michael Klein
The heat takes its toll. Picture: Michael Klein

Like the fighter in the ring Warner has often characterised, the sight of he and Smith sitting, heads back, cool towels draped over their heads, legs being rubbed, energy trying to be found, painted the picture of their dynamic efforts on a day the Australians owned.

Smith revealed his simple message to Warner when the opener started suffering serious cramps.

“Yeah, just keep batting,” Smith told his partner. “The more he started to cramp the more shots he started to play and everything seemed to be coming out of the middle.

“It was an amazing knock and nice to be up the other end for a large chunk of it.

“Just the way he took the game on and any anything short or anything loose he was pouncing on it defended really nicely when he needed to and just to was a great innings.

“I was doing my thing and he was doing his. It was just like, ‘keep batting’.

“He was like, ‘I’m cramping”. I was like, “Good. Just keep going.”

At stumps, red-hot Travis Head had guided the home team 3-386, a lead of 197 and the game seemingly beyond rescue for South Africa.

But the Aussies could yet be two bowlers down with Mitchell Starc carrying a finger injury and Green smacked on his bowling hand late in the day, a blow savage enough to draw blood and forcing him for scans.

The carnage included Warner enduring constant cramps after reaching triple figures for the first time since January 2020, after spending an anxious 20 minutes in the 90s, trying to withstand the most ferocious bowling effort of the day.

Anrich Nortje sent down a full over of his own heat, every ball hitting 150kmh or more and one of them, at 154kmh, rattling Warner on the thumb, another war wound to fight his way through.

South Africa's Anrich Nortje sent down some terrifying spells despite the shocking heat. Picture: AFP
South Africa's Anrich Nortje sent down some terrifying spells despite the shocking heat. Picture: AFP

He survived and, with Smith, thrived. Better than that, they put their foot down.

Warner’s second 100, on limp legs energised by pickle juice and constant treatment, came off just 110 balls. He hit the only two sixes of his innings after passing 150, going up through what gears he had left in a fashion the powerful lefthander has made his trademark.

While Smith was out for 85, short of his fourth MCG ton, Warner continued an attack consisting of boundaries, running less of an option on legs no longer working as they should.

Upon reaching 200 he fell to his knees, pumped his arms, then cramped again as he stood up, calling for assistance, before ultimately succumbing, aided from the field to a standing ovation.

Steve Smith (L) and David Warner battle the conditions during a drinks break. Picture: Michael Klein
Steve Smith (L) and David Warner battle the conditions during a drinks break. Picture: Michael Klein

The list of achievements the lad from Matraville added to an already Hall of Fame worthy career included passing 8000 Test runs and moving into seventh on the all-time Australian run-scoring list, jumping over Mark Waugh.

“You’d think by now people would know writing David Warner off is the wrong thing to do,” his ever-forthright wife Candice said after he carved out one of his greaTest cricketing efforts, told Fox Cricket.

“It’s been incredibly tough … he never uses it as an excuse, he uses it as motivation.”

Warner became just the second Australian, with Ricky Ponting, to score a century in his 100th Test. It’s a feat only 10 people, worldwide, have achieved in cricket history.

It was also his 19th century in Australia, having also passed 5000 runs at home. Warner took his Test average at the MCG beyond 50, scoring his third ton in Melbourne, and his 45th international hundred, across all formats is now the second-most among active players.

RECAP OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF DAY TWO BELOW

 STUMPS DAY TWO - Australia 3-386, leads by 197. Head, 48no, Carey 9no

6PM: AUSTRALIA IN DOMINANT POSITION AT STUMPS

Even the umpires were moving very slowly into position hoping the clock would tick over to 6pm — and it did. The day belonged to David Warner and the good news is if you’re coming to the MCG tomorrow the weather is tipped to be at least five degrees lower. What a day of Test cricket. Thanks for following our blog! Russell Gould will have a full match report for your reading pleasure soon!

5.53PM SOUTH AFRIAN QUICK LIMPS OFF

Lungi Ngidi joins the MCG casualty ward, hobbling off with what appears to be cramp. Maharaj will have to finish his over.

 5.45PM - SCORE UPDATE Australia 3-368 Head 37no, Carey 2no

With 15 minutes left in the day, Australia’s lead is 179.

5.28PM GREEN RETIRED HURT

Cameron Green has headed off the ground, retiring hurt. Alex Carey joins Travis Head.

Cam Green has his finger checked before retiring hurt.
Cam Green has his finger checked before retiring hurt.

5.25PM GREEN STRUCK BY NORTJE

Cameron Green is bleeding after being struck on the hand by Nortje as has had to be looked after by Australia’s medical staff.

DAY 2 CROWD FIGURE: 42614 at the MCG

 5.15PM SCORE UPDATE Australia 3-357 Head 33no, Green 2no

It’s been confirmed we will play through until 6pm tonight again to make up lost overs which you can definitely understand due to the heat.

Since David Warner retired, Travis Head has blazed 34 at better than a run a ball and the South African quicks are going after Cameron Green with the new ball.

Australia’s lead is growing toward 200.

4.43PM WARNER RETIRES HURT

David Warner can barely walk as he is helped from the ground by two staff, retiring hurt on 200. The cramp which he has eventually succumbed to appeared to be caused by the celebration for his double ton.

“I reckon that hamstring cramp could have come into play when he was on his knees,” Mark Waugh says on Fox Cricket.

“He looked cooked before he got 100,” Mike Hussey adds.

Fox Cricket is reporting David Warner has retired due to illness, not injury.

David Warner cramps before retiring hurt on 200.
David Warner cramps before retiring hurt on 200.
An emotional David Warner is helped off. Picture by Michael Klein
An emotional David Warner is helped off. Picture by Michael Klein
Dave Warner gets a standing ovation on his way off.
Dave Warner gets a standing ovation on his way off.
David Warner celebrates before succumbing to cramp.
David Warner celebrates before succumbing to cramp.

4.40PM EXHAUSTED WARNER REACHES 200

David Warner has battled all day in heat of close to 35 degrees or more and the affects are starting to show.

During the last drinks break, Warner has to be treated for camp, had a towel on his head and could be seen drinking ice water.

Commentator Kerry O’Keefe compared Warner’s grit to another famous Australian innings in torturous batting conditions — Dean Jones’ 200 in Madras.

“There’s still talk of Dean Jones’ 200 at Madras where he was in all sorts of trouble,” O’Keefe said on Fox Cricket.

“You sense that Warner is approaching that state. His eyes have sunk, his body is betraying him at the moment.”

O’Keefe and Pollock wondered whether Warner would opt to retire hurt once he reaches 200.

“You look at him now and he looks distressed,” O’Keefe said during the break when Warner was on 192.

He has just reached the milestone thanks to an edge which flew away to the boundary.

Warner immediately started sucking in deep breaths and had fallen to the turf with cramps.

David Warner helped during his innings.
David Warner helped during his innings.
 BREAKTHROUGH! Australia 3-314 STEVE SMITH c de Bruyn b Nortje 85 (161)

Smith angles a short ball straight to de Bruyn at gully and there won’t be another MCG ton for the Aussie No.4.

4.12PM DESPERATE PROTEAS BURN REVIEW

David Warner is nowhere near an attempted pull off Nortje but Dean Elgar doesn’t hesitate sending it upstairs.

It’s flicked Warner’s hip on the way through to the keeper and South Africa has burned another review without success.

4.08PM WARNER, SMITH UP THE ANTE

The Aussie batsmen are really putting South Africa to the sword now.

Runs and flowing freely and the crowd loved a David Warner six off Maharaj.

He danced down the wicket and swiped the South African spinner for six over wide long-on to move to within 30 runs of a double ton.

Australia has scored more than 40 runs in the last five overs and the lead is already more than 100 runs.

 3.52PM WARNER PASSES 150!

And minutes after Warner reaches 150, the 200-run partnership is up between the opener and Steve Smith. Boy will they sleep well tonight.

3.50PM SMITH’S MCG LOVE AFFAIR CONTINUES

Steve Smith has become the ninth batter in Test history to eclipse 1000 runs at the MCG.

Smith moves past the 1000-run mark earlier in his current innings and while progressing through the 60s he pushed his average in Melbourne to more than 90 runs an innings.

Don Bradman averaged 128 at the MCG, while Bill Lawry averaged 78.7.

Bradman, Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Jack Hobbs, Matthew Hayden and Lawry are the only batters with more runs than Smith in Tests in Melbourne.

Bradman holds the record with 1671, but he way Smith is going, that record might come under threat in the next few years.

Adam Gilchrist says Smith is enjoying “batting perfection” as Australia pushes past 250.

3.40PM MORRIS AN OPTION FOR SYDNEY

The man known as ‘The Wild Thing’ looms as a contender to make his Test debut in Sydney, reports Ben Horne.

Josh Hazlewood is the favourite to return after mounting a strong case, but with the Test series likely to be wrapped up the Aussie selectors may consider looking to the future.

Todd Murphy is another contender to make his Test debut and partner Nathan Lyon, but as a fellow off-spinner selectors may deem he is too similar to Lyon.

That would leave Ashton Agar and Mitch Swepson as the other spin contenders.

READ MORE HERE

Lance Morris has been with the Aussie squad throughout the South African series.
Lance Morris has been with the Aussie squad throughout the South African series.
 3.31pm SESSION THREE UNDERWAY
 TEA DAY TWO - Australia 2-231, leads by 42, Warner 135no, Smith 60no

Mike Hussey bringing the stats gold on Fox Cricket — this is the first time David Warner and Steve Smith have put on more than 150 as a partnership in Test cricket. Who would have guessed that?

Australia has absolutely dominated that second session and if we’re being brutally honest, it’s almost just a matter of how long this Test lasts now and if Australia will need to bat again.

South Africa hasn’t made 200 in a Test since August, so we’re already entering dangerous territory for the Proteas if they want to try and extend this game beyond three days.

CAMERA TAKES OUT SOUTH AFRICAN STAR

Don’t mess with the spider cam.

The camera, which is suspended above the MCG, was involved in a bizarre incident during the second session on day two when it collided with South African quick Anrich Nortje.

Play was stopped for several minutes but Nortje was fine to play on.

Vision shows the camera panning right before it flips and Nortje can be seen on the ground.

Other footage shows Nortje — who stands about 183cm — turning before the camera appears to make contact with his back.

Steve Smith was among those to check on Nortje’s wellbeing after the strange incident.

MICHAEL KLEIN MAGIC FOR DAVID WARNER’S TON

Pictures: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein
MELBOURNE . 27/12/2022. Boxing Day Test match. Day 2. Australia vs South Africa at the MCG. David Warner celebrates his century early in the 2nd session . Picture by Michael Klein

2.50PM JUST HOW TALL IS JANSEN?

Some say he’s 206cm. Others claim it’s 207cm. And this slight lull in play has given us a few minutes to ask the big question — how tall is Marco Jansen really?

Jansen is, in fact, even taller than most believed.

The South African star, who made his first Test half-century on day one of the Boxing Day Test, clarified his height before play started on day two.

“In metres, it’s 2.09m,” Jansen said on Channel 7.

“I think it’s about six foot eight, if I’m not mistaken.”

Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan is believed to be the tallest international cricketer in history at 216cm, while former Aussie quick Bruce Reid was 203cm.

Cameron Green is about 198cm and New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson is listed at about 203cm.

On his first Test 50, Jansen said: “For me personally, it gives me a lot of confidence. Obviously as a batter or bowler, whether you take wickets or score runs, it gives you confidence going into the next innings or the next game.”

It’s likely to be a while before he bats again with Australia 2-217 and looking untroubled.

Marco Jansen stands 209cm.
Marco Jansen stands 209cm.

2.38PM WARNER TREATMENT

David Warner is down and receiving treatment for what appears to be cramp. The temperature is almost 37 degrees at the MCG. “Let's hope it is just cramp,” says Adam Gilchrist in commentary. And it appears to be. After a few minutes of delay, Warner is back up and ready to bat on.

 2.05pm CANDICE WARNER ON DAVID'S CENTURY

Candice Warner says her husband David’s first century in almost three years would serve as a reminder to his critics to not “write David off.”

Speaking minutes after Warner reached triple figures for the first time since January, 2020, Candice told Fox Cricket the family’s entourage had descended on Melbourne for the opener’s milestone 100th Test.

“I think it will mean so much to everyone that’s here, that’s come to support him,” she said. “His mum and dad are here for his 100th Test. His school friends, family. Just everyone. It’s such a big milestone and for him to be able to do it while his back’s against the wall means even more.”

She added: “You’d think by now writing David off is probably the wrong thing to do. He thrives on that and we have just seen today the class batsman that he is. To be only the 14th person for Australia to make 100 Tests is Testament to himself.”

Warner said the family’s three daughters told David to “score a hundred like Marnus” before his Boxing Day Test heroics.

David Warner’s trademark celebration was back.
David Warner’s trademark celebration was back.
 1.45pm DAVID WARNER CENTURY

The drought is over! David Warner has his first ton in almost three years after reaching triple figures in his 100th Test. His last Test hundred was January, 2020 in the New Year’s Test against New Zealand. Warner opened with Joe Burns in that Test and Cameron Green had yet to debut for Australia. “Worrysome times for the South Africans,” says Shaun Pollock in commentary.

2.10pm AUSTRALIA CLOSES IN ON LEAD `

Steve Smith is given out, reviews straight away and Kagiso Rabada is found to have overstepped. Smith would have been given not out anyway as the ball struck him on the arm. But for a brief moment Rabada thought he had a much-needed breakthrough. Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds for the visitors. Australia is about to claim a first-innings lead with eight wickets still in hand.

 1.40PM SCORE UPDATE - Australia 2-159 Warner 93no, Smith 33no

This has been a searing spell from Nortje. He is regularly clocking 150km/h and is making David Warner and Steve Smith work for every run. His speed went as high as 155km/h in the last few minutes and one of his short balls sailed well over wicketkeeper Kyle Verryenne. David Warner is edging closer to his first hundred in Test cricket since January, 2020.

1.30PM UPDATE PITCH LATest

There are already footmarks appearing on the MCG pitch in the second session of day two.

No doubt Nathan Lyon will fancy his chances in the second innings, but it emphasises how important Keshav Maharaj will be if South Africa is going to make any inroads.

Assessing the pitch at lunch on Channel 7, Trent Copeland said: “This (the footmarks) is not a regular occurence at the MCG. And if you think about the ball missing that my a small margin, that will carry on with the arm. If the ball hits that, that’s going to then start to turn. This is day two lunchtime and we have already got footmarks appearing.”

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa's Keshav Maharaj.
 1.10pm SESSION TWO UNDERWAY Australia 2-136

Nortje has the ball again. And a glorious moustache. I don’t know about you but I have serious moustache envy right now.

Look at that stache.
Look at that stache.

12.55PM PM PREDICTS WARNER CENTURY

Ben Horne

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has predicted a David Warner century after lunch on day two at the MCG.

The PM stepped into the Fox Cricket commentary box for a stint with Adam Gilchrist and Kerry O’Keeffe and feels it’s Warner’s day.

As a boy from blue colour Marriackville in Sydney, Albanese believes Warner from a housing commission in Matraville is poised to prove his doubters wrong in his 100th Test.

“That’s exactly right. He comes from a tough area of Sydney,” Mr Albanese said on Fox.

“The whole of Australia is hoping he hits a ton in his 100th Test.”

The PM – a South Sydney Rabbitohs tragic – then ribbed Warner for being a Sydney Roosters supporter when he was born and raised in South Sydney heartland.

“He should be a South Sydney supporter coming from Matraville,” Mr Albanese said.

\Prime Minister Anthony Albanese watches the cricket on day two. Picture by Michael Klein
\Prime Minister Anthony Albanese watches the cricket on day two. Picture by Michael Klein

BORED AT LUNCH? WHY NOT ENTER A KFC SUPERCOACH TEAM?

Head on over to supercoach.com.au, pick a 16-player team and put yourself in the running to win $500 every round throughout BBL12.

Plus, you can take on our own Mr SuperCoach Mike Hussey!

To help, read the laTest TRADE GUIDE FOR ROUND 5 HERE

 LUNCH, DAY TWO: Australia 2-136 Warner 86no, Smith 21no

South Africa burned a review late in the first session after Marco Jansen caught Steve Smith pad first with an in-swinger. The Proteas immediately appealed and while their feeling was correct about pad beating bat, the ball struck Smith outside the line of off stump. Marco Jansen has bowled brilliantly in the half-hour before lunch, giving Smith plenty of headaches. Australia trails by 53 runs.

12.15PM WARNER REACHES CAREER MILESTONE

David Warner has become the eighth Astralian to pass 8000 Test runs before lunch.

Warner joins Ricky Ponting (13378), Allan Border (11174), Steve Waugh (10927), Michael Clarke (8643), Matthew Hayden (8625), Steve Smith (8467*) and Mark Waugh (8029) in the 8000-run club.

David Warner in action on day two.
David Warner in action on day two.

12.12PM IS CHRISTMAS BBL COMING?

Cricket Australia could be on a collision course with players as it prepares to investigate playing a Big Bash League match on Christmas Day.

More than 7000 supporters turned out to Sydney Kings’ historic NBL clash with Melbourne United, success which could pave the way for other sports to follow suit.

Melbourne Stars captain Adam Zampa said on Monday he had no interested in playing on Christmas Day, while his Sixers counterpart Moises Henriques said he was “glad I didn’t play” on December 25.

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said on Tuesday a Christmas Day match would be a discussion point when the current BBL season was reviewed.

“That’s a good question. I think it’s something we’ll definitely talk about between the end of the season, as we obviously do the season wrap on the Big Bash,” he said on SEN Cricket.

“It is something we’ll talk at length to players and also to the clubs and the venues (about).”

Santa Claus high-fives fans at a Sydney Thunder BBL game.
Santa Claus high-fives fans at a Sydney Thunder BBL game.

Hockley added: “For me, it would have been nice to turn on the TV and watch a bit of TV cricket. But at the end of the day it is a really crowded schedule for, particularly our T20 players.

“It’s unlike football season where you’re playing every weekend. They’re playing a match pretty much every two, two-and-a-half days.

“There’s lots of considerations but we won’t be making any decisions without really extensive consultation with the players and the clubs.”

On Monday night, Zampa said: “I don’t really want to play on Christmas Day.

“Our schedules are hectic enough as is, particularly for the Stars. Obviously the Boxing Day Test is on so we’re not in Melbourne, we’re away quite a bit this time of year.

“To add in a Christmas Day game would be out of the question.”

 12pm SCORE UPDATE - Australia 2-105 Warner 69no, Smith 8no

The temperature has soared to 34 degrees in Melbourne and it’s only expected to get even hotter. The expected high today is a sizzling 37 degrees. You sense Australia’s plan — understandably — is to bat all day in the heat and wear South Africa down. Keshav Maharaj time soon? It’s been all the quicks so far.

11.35AM GREEN’S PLAN FOR IPL RICHES

Newly-minted IPL millionaire Cameron Green has revealed his modest plans for $3m salary he will receive from his new franchise.

Green became one of the most expensive players in IPL history when he was snapped up by Mumbai Indians for $3.15m, a new Australian record.

The 23-year-old said the auction experience had been “pretty surreal” and his hefty price tag had already led to some good-natured ribbing from teammates.

“We’re staying in a pretty nice hotel and there’s a few nice cars out the front,” Green told Fox Cricket.

“A few of the guys have been giving me a bit of stick saying ‘it’s already the new car that Greeny’s already got’. It’s a bit of light humour.”

But he doesn’t yet have any grand plans for the money, instead confirming an iPad was on his wishlist.

Considering you can pick one of those up for about $750, Green will have a fair bit of spare change left over.

Green watched the auction and said his nerves only kicked in about 30 minutes before bidding.

“Yeah I did (watch it). Maybe a day before I was just curious about what was going to happen, I wasn’t that nervous,” he said.

“Then probably half an hour before it happened I was like ‘jeez, this feels real now’.

“It was pretty surreal. Definitely pinching yourself that it’s happening.

“You don’t know if you deserve it or not. Hopefully I can repay obviously the king gesture they gave me. It should be a good opportunity.”

Cameron Green heads off after taking five wickets on Boxing Day.
Cameron Green heads off after taking five wickets on Boxing Day.

EARLIER NEWS: STARC POISED TO MISS SCG Test

Mitchell Starc is set to miss the Sydney Test match with tendon damage to his finger and will only bowl in the rest of the Boxing Day Test if required.

News Corp understands Starc is all but certain to miss the final Test of the summer at the SCG and will be rehabbing his finger in a bid to be right for the start of the Indian Test tour next month.

Starc could still bowl if required in the second innings in Melbourne, and may not do further damage to his bowling finger on his left hand if he does.

However, Australia would be mad to risk Starc unless they need to and the team will be hoping the batting unit can build a big enough lead that the left-armer can be rested for the rest of the match.

Starc’s injury opens the door for the potential that Lance “The Wild Thing” Morris could make his Test debut in Sydney.

Although Josh Hazlewood may also be fit to push his case for inclusion, selectors may consider a second spinner like Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa or Mitchell Swepson if conditions at the SCG look like turning.

 11.14am UPDATE - David Warner reaches 50

David Warner gets to his half-century from 72 balls. He’s been so proactive since late on day one. Can he turn it into a drought-breaking century in his 100th Test? His last Test century was in January 2020, against New Zealand. The photo below might serve as a reminder.

David Warner’s most recent Test century in January, 2020 at the SCG against New Zealand.
David Warner’s most recent Test century in January, 2020 at the SCG against New Zealand.
RUN OUT! Australia 2-74 MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE run out (Maharaj) 14 (35)

A horror mix-up for the Aussies between David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne. Warner sent Labuschagne back and despite a valiant dive he was caught short of his ground. “It’s a real bonus wicket this for South Africa,” says Shaun Pollock in commentary. Trying to complete the second, Warner and Labuschagne crossed about two thirds of the way up the wicket, Marnus took off but was caught well short.

 DAVID WARNER MIC'D UP

Check out this great insight from Fox Cricket on day one with David Warner wearing a microphone in the field and during his innings.

 10.45AM WAUGH QUESTIONS RABADA

Former Australian batter Mark Waugh has accused South African spearhead Kagiso Rabada of “just rolling his arm over” on what has so far been a forgettable tour for the Proteas.

The 27-year-old took eight wickets in Brisbane, including four in a memorable burst to rattle Australia during its second innings.

But Rabada was the most expensive of the South African seamers on the Gabba green top and Waugh questioned whether he was going through the motions.

“For a world-class bowler Rabada has bowled some very ordinary spells on this tour,” he said on Fox Cricket.

“And his body language, we know he’s a laid-back sort of character, but you just want to see a bit more energy from the get-go.

“It’s got to affect the rest of the fielding side and the captain when he sees his strike bowler just rolling his arm over.”

Kagiso Rabada after dismissing Usman Khawaja on day one at the MCG.
Kagiso Rabada after dismissing Usman Khawaja on day one at the MCG.
 SESSION ONE, DAY TWO UNDERWAY Australia 1-45 Warner 32no, Labuschagne 5no

Nortje to Labuschagne to get day two underway with Australia trailing by 144 runs. And the third ball of the day flies wide of third slip. An early life for Labuschagne.

STARC CLEARED TO CONTINUE

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been cleared to continue in the against South Africa at the MCG.

Starc was hit on the tip of the middle finger on his left hand by the ball in the field yesterday. After leaving the field initially, Starc bowled in the nets before returning to play.

His condition will be reassessed at the completion of the match.

SOUTH AFRICA’S SOS TO FAF?

Faf, where are you?

He’s with the Perth Scorchers, that’s where.

And doing nicely enough that each time he scored runs for them it creates a little storm of Tweets from South Africa saying even at age 38 Faf du Plessis should be in the South African Test team.

It won’t happen but we get the point.

It took keeper Kyle Verreynne and fast bowler Marco Jansen to hoist South Africa from total misery to something a little better against Australia but each side of their century stand there was batting chaos.

Playing Australia, and particularly David Warner, meant so much to du Plessis that he felt no other team could wind his intensity enough up to the same level.

Du Plessis, who retired from Tests nearly two years ago after South Africa hinted they would not need him, has become a T20 journeyman and his plush new house in Cape Town is evidence to how well he is doing.

One thing that du Plessis has that none of the top order bar Dean Elgar has is a decent technique.

He knew when to play and when to leave, when to be patient and when to dominate.

Sadly, the current top order have none of that.

This is the weakest South African batting team to leave home in 90 years. There are five batsmen averaging 50 or more in South Africa’s domestic system but they have been overlooked in the feeling that they have not done enough.

South Africa’s dismal 189 followed innings of 151, 179, 118, 169, 152 and 99 in Tests,.

It’s sad. They say you can make what you like of statistics in cricket but over time they rarely lie.

To think Sarel Erwee could handle this Australian attack on the back of a Test average of 25 is beyond wishful thinking.

The same for Temba Bavuma (34), Khaya Zondo (25) and Theunis de Bruyn (19).

It’s hard to defy gravity in Test cricket.

Bavuma has played the same number of Tests as Don Bradman – 52 – and scored just one century and that came seven years ago.

Zondo has played 138 first class matches over 15 years and averaged 31 – so how could he possibly be expected to be a Test star?

The sad thing for South Africa is that Test cricket is a decreasing priority for the Proteas will play only 28 Tests in the next four year cycle.

Things are grim now. They are likely to get worse.

CAN WARNER FINALLY BREAK CENTURY DROUGHT?

South Africa beware … David Warner might just have found his missing mojo.

Warner is celebrating his 100th Test and for one pulsating hour took fans back to his snap-crackling zenith.

The feet were moving sharply. The running between wickets was fearless and frantic. The shot making was firm and precise.

The old Warner was replaced by the Warner of old.

Clearly, Warner wants a century here badly. He is pumped for this match and is feeding off the 100th Test vibe.

South Africa has often brought out the best in him. He has four centuries in 13th Tests against them and a whistling strike rate of 80 runs per 100 balls.

His positive intent was evident in the way he took on Kagiso Rabada, his nemesis from the first Test, with two strong pull shots to the fence.

Even when he left the ball Warner did so aggressively, occasionally sliding down on one knee to accentuate his actions.

Warner will resume on 32 with Australia 1-45 against South Africa’s paltry 189 and will be the centre of attention until he gets out.

David Warner turned back the clock at the MCG. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty
David Warner turned back the clock at the MCG. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty

Warner looks like a car which has just had a tune-up but older players can have these little bursts and the challenge for him is to reignite the fire on day two.

South Africa’s world class bowling line-up is a threat under any conditions but they are perpetually under pressure because of the constant failings of their batsmen who scored their seventh consecutive sub-200 total.

Their side resembles the West Indies team of two decades ago when the batsmen would disappear in a heartbeat and leave great fast men Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh to clean up their mess.

When Ambrose surprisingly retired on 98 Tests in the year 2000 he privately told friends that the strain of having to try and launch a miracle recovery with the ball every match had taken its toll.

Souths Africa’s outstanding attack may soon get to know this vibe – if they don’t know it already.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-v-south-africa-follow-all-the-action-from-day-two-at-the-mcg/news-story/5f47fa43592cf831aa29d00cd5c40db7