Live cricket scores: South Africa host Australia in first Test since 2018 sandpaper saga
In one of the most anticipated non-Ashes Tests in history, Australia return to South African shores hoping to bury infamous memories of 2018 as the Proteas look to inflict more scars. Follow the action live.
In one of the most anticipated non-Ashes Tests in history, Australia return to South African shores hoping to bury infamous memories of 2018 as the Proteas look to inflict more scars.
For the first time since the sandpaper scandal shook Australian cricket to its core, South Africa will host Pat Cummins’ side in a rare home series.
The Proteas will be without star Kagiso Rabada but will be favourites against an unsettled Australian batting line-up and question marks over their aging side.
Follow all the action live
Aaron Kirby is reporting live.
Ouch!
Marnus has left one from Nortje and it’s reared into his chest.
He gasped in pain and grabbed at his ribs.
This is the big man’s first over and it’s worked out perfectly with Marnus and Smith new to the crease.
AUS 2-27
Leg-slip trap
South Africa have a very clear plan to Steve Smith.
They have put David Bedingham into leg slip and are bowling straight.
The Aussie great has a history of being caught there.
Chopped on!
Maddinson has had a nightmare!
He has just chopped onto his off peg for a 32-ball duck.
How this selection gets justified will be very interesting.
AUS 2-24
Review 2
Marnus has been struck in the pads by an inswinger.
He jumped over to the leg side after the ball to make it look down leg.
No bat involved but the ball is missing the leg stump comfortably.
Off the mark
Labuschagne gets a gift to start with a leg-stump half-volley and he flicked it away for one.
AUS 1-18
Head falls!
The review is SUCCESSFUL as ultra edge shows a big inside edge before the ball brushed Head’s leg.
It was a nothing ball and the South Africans get a freebie very early.
Brings Marnus Labuschagne to the crease.
Review
South Africa have sent one up stairs.
Head swung at a ball down leg and their was a little noise.
Verreynne was convinced and Bavuma sent it upstairs with five seconds left on the count.
Bit of Travy time
Head has been stuck at the non-striker’s for most of the first six overs but gets his chance and feasts on a ball off his pads.
He whipped it in the air but it goes fine of the fielder to the rope.
Mulder’s follow-up is good as he swings in to middle and finds some extra bounce.
AUS 0-17
Oh no!
Had South Africa reviewed, Maddinson would have been out for a duck with the ball hitting leg stump.
He is on zero from 16 so far.
AUS 0-10
Shout!
The Proteas are up as Mulder strikes Maddinson in the pads.
The Aussie’s bat clipped his pad and that is enough to deter the review.
The umpire was not interested but it appeared close. Probably leg-sideish.
