In one of the high profile Test series of the year, South Africa squared off against Australia in the second test at Hobart after a massive 177-run victory against the hosts in the first test.
The Proteas started from where they left as they elected to bowl on a tricky wicket which had a lot on offer for the pace bowlers.
Australia’s top order failed altogether as they were were reduced to 8/4 in the first 9 overs. However, Steve Smith tried to steady the ship but failed to manage as other batsmen provided him little support.
The hosts were eventually bowled out for a mere 85 runs in just 32.5 overs with Smith’s 48 being the highlight of their innings. Vernon Philander took five wickets while Kyle Abbott, who replaced injured Dale Steyn, grabbed three scalps.
South Africa, who then came to bat, were under-pressure as they tried to adapt to the conditions to overcome the 85 runs. The openers were rock solid in the second session as both Cook and Elgar played with caution till tea break as the hosts were in a strong position at 43/0.
However, Mitchell Starc gave them double break as he picked up the wickets of both openers in the first over after the tea and the dismissal of JP Duminy, yet again by Starc, in no time meant South Africa were 46/3. Skipper du Plessis also failed but Hashim Amla managed to put up a fight as he scored an impressive 47 before being dismissed by seamer Josh Hazlewood.
Youngsters Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma then put together an impressive partnership as South Africa finished the day at 171/5, with an overall lead of 86.