SA v AUS: 3rd Test, Cape Town, Day 3 Review: South Africa extends their lead
Mar 24, 2018 at 9:27 PM
The moving day of the 3rd Test match between Australia and South Africa belonged to the hosts as they ended up with a lead of 294 while setting a fourth-inning target for the Aussies.
The day started off with South Africa completing the formalities by picking up the last wicket. Australia, in the first innings, were bowled out for 255. giving the home-side a handy lead of 56.
Yet again, it was Kagiso Rabada who ended up amongst the wickets as he clinched a four-wicket haul. Morkel was the pick of the bowler as he too bagged a four-for.
South Africa’s gritty opener could not replicate his performance in the first innings as he was dismissed cheaply while playing a tired shot outside the off stump.
Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram looked firm at the crease for their partnership of 76 runs. Yet, Amla gave his wicket away after a promising start for his 31.
For the Proteas, it was Aiden Markram who was the star of the day with his splendid 84. Markram was all set for his second hundred in the series before he succumbed to a soft dismissal.
Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma could not provide enough support to AB de Villiers at the other end who remained unbeaten for his anchoring 51. Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers as he ended up with a couple of wickets.
Before bad lights stopped play, it was South Africa who had their noses ahead with five wickets in hand and 238 on the board.
However, the talking point of the day arrived when Cameron Bancroft was caught red-handed while tampering the ball.
Also, Bancroft hid a sandpaper between his middle and index finger to scratch the ball in order to scruff it up. He immediately slipped his right hand into his trousers’ pocket to hide it.
Moreover, unaware of all the cameras around, Barncroft was clearly spotted red-handed during his activities.
After the entire motion of Bancroft was broadcasted, coach Lehmann contacted Peter Handscomb, present in the dugout, via walkie-talkie, and asked him to convey Bancroft that he had been caught by the cameras.
Since being intimated about the incident, Barncroft sneaked in the questionable object inside his underpants. Yet, the on-field umpires clearly had a conversation with the Aussie amidst the chaos.
However, the two umpires did not decide to change the ball, which the protocol usually suggests that ball has to be replaced if such instances of ball tampering occur during play.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the day’s play
It’s making me chuckle the Aussies are making an official complaint about the personal abuse they are receiving … #please !!!! #SAvAUS
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 24, 2018
The entire Australian team should be banned & Rabada should sign that order. #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/23FppWKXCW
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) March 24, 2018
That’s why @ShaneWarne is one of the finest pundits. To the point – voices his opinion and also suggests what may or may not have happened or led to it. Gives a complete round up to the non cricketers watching the show. Top stuff 👍 #SAvAUS #Bancroft
— RK (@RK_sports) March 24, 2018
Bancroft must be so glad it’s tea break – gets to get that sandpaper out his jocks😂😂😂😘
Looking forward to Lehman’s explanation here!
##SAvAUS newlands
— Kelvin Watt (@kelvin_watt) March 24, 2018
Fantastic camera work. He didn’t just catch Bancroft cheating, he caught the Aussie dressing room sending a message to say hide the sandpaper! They’re all in on it! #SAvAUS
— Jared (@jaybrand16) March 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/therealThabiso7/status/977528893065265152
Australian Media And Players Nd Coach Crying About A Small Banter
What About Thesee??#SAvAUS
Biggest Crybabies In This Sport… pic.twitter.com/K2x0tvgr0U— R.J. (@Mister_Rachit) March 23, 2018
Cricket Australia has cancelled all interviews post-day with TV and radio stations.
All eyes on the press conference. #SAvAUS
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) March 24, 2018
The real question is why #bankroft has a sunglasses soft case but no sunnies on his head 🤔 #SAvAUS #balltampering pic.twitter.com/UYti9abSOh
— Willem Brooks (@willembrooks) March 24, 2018
The first rule of tampering with the ball is to do it only when you play at home and the broadcaster has your back #SAvAUS
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) March 24, 2018
Via @jasongladwin
This is Oscar who did his #CountryDuty and caught the Australian cheating. @SuperSportTV he deserves an award!
RT 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/eG69WccVJP
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) March 24, 2018
How Australians should be allowed to enter the cricket ground#SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/OcByor1qi4
— Manya (@CSKian716) March 24, 2018
The Australian camp goes into the bunker. Refusing the standard radio and TV interviews at stumps, and will just hold one combined press conference. #SAvAus
— Geoff Lemon Sport (@GeoffLemonSport) March 24, 2018
Australia’s Cameron Bancroft Caught On Camera Doing Ball Tampering. Used A Sandpaper To Shine The Ball And Kept It In His Pocket. When Players Let Him Know He Has Been Caught, Transfers It Into His Underwear. A New Low By Cheater Aussies. #CameronBancroft #AUSvSA #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/rtIeEKaQrp
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) March 24, 2018
This picture tells all you need to know about planned ball tampering saga.#SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/V8wOHfvTVb
— Akki (@CrickPotato) March 24, 2018
How do you know you are the worst player in the team?
You get given the sand paper to rough up the ball.
These guys can’t exactly afford to lose Warner to a ban.#SAvAUS— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) March 24, 2018
6. Mind blowing duel between Warner and Rabada, 30 off 14, before Rabada cleans him up
7. Warner getting into an argument with a spectator
8. Cam B Sandpaper GateWhat a mind blowing series this is turning out to be. I think AB can participate in #MamaPredictionContest #SAvAUS
— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) March 24, 2018
Before this series Steve Smith used to be one of my favorite batsmen…I’ve lost all respect for him and his team… #SAvAUS
— Billz 🇿🇦 (@billz_25) March 24, 2018
Shut up ya'll. Spare a thought for Bancroft. He still has that sandpaper inside, tampering with his own balls. #SAvAUS
— Manya (@CSKian716) March 24, 2018
Lehman saw it first,thesame guy who said they are being personally abused 😂😂😂👏 #BallTampering #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/3IWUPMSQ9F
— Katlie 👑 (@Katleho_Katz) March 24, 2018
#SAvAUS tampering the ball and then hiding the sandpaper as if no one can see you 😂😂 Bancroft you alri8 mate there are cameras in the stadium 😂😂😂
— Shantanu Shrivastava (@DaKingInDaNorff) March 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/iam_za1d/status/977547974573043713
https://twitter.com/koegelenbergj/status/977517980522369024
https://twitter.com/Runningflyhalf/status/977566220336713730
In the 8 years that I have been on twitter, nothing has matched what is happening right now in this #SAvAUS series.
— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) March 24, 2018
God of Rabada answered so quickly, now they are exposing themselves #balltampering #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/nmq6NZD7Im
— Nokhala (@Nwayza_) March 24, 2018
Jus In : SAND PAPER jus took two back to back wickets for Aussies..#SAvAUS
— Sanaaaaa (@Crichipster) March 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/Spi_777/status/977558017800593413
Fair to say the Aussie cricket team hasn’t always been the most likeable over the years. Might be about the nadir right now #SAvAUS
— Tristan Lavalette (@trislavalette) March 24, 2018
That yellow chip is actually the one which was supposed to be there in 2000 Rs note.#Bancroft #SAvAUS
— a (@NevrBackDown_) March 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/Dylan29Johnson/status/977569542519115776
First test: #Warnergate
Second test: #ShoulderGate
Third test: #sandpapergate
Fourth test: ???-gateRiveting on-field cricket, Emmy awards winning drama off the field. Who said test cricket is boring and on its last legs?#SAvAus
— Khanyiso Tshwaku (@kaymorizm) March 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/SamreenRazzaqui/status/977563376934096908
https://twitter.com/BrianAdams52/status/977568495562051590