Australia v http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Faf-du-Plessis-c1427 holds firm as Aussies continue assault
Australia’s revamped bowling attack proved to be a winning combination as all five bowlers joined forces to bring seven South African batsmen down by tea on the first day of their series-deciding Test match against the Proteas – however, Faf du Plessis held firm at the crease, and managed to get his team up to 141 by the end of the second session at the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Western-Australia-c865 Cricket Association Ground in Perth, today on November 30.
South Africa made three quick changes to their line-up, replacing http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nathan-Michael-Lyon-c78822 featured as the sole specialist spinner in the attack.
The decisions paid off as the Aussie bowlers launched their strike as soon as the Proteas stepped up to the crease, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473 in the 12th over after a mere 16-run contribution.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HM-Amla-c1557, (11) brought the team total up to 61 – however, Starc swept in to send both Petersen, and his successor, veteran batsman Jacques Kallis (2), back to the pavilion, reducing the tourists to 63 for 3 by lunch.
The Proteas were offered no respite during the second session – shortly after lunch, confusion in running saw http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AB-de-Villiers-c887 (4) followed suit in the very next over, serving as John Hastings’ first Test wicket, and debutant Dean Elgar failed to make an impression, falling prey to Johnson.
The Proteas were offered a brief glimmer of hope with the 57-run partnership between Faf du Plessis and Robin Peterson – however, the latter was snapped up by Nathan Lyon in the 48th over after a 31-run contribution.
With 7 wickets down, the visitors looked to be in a tricky spot, but du Plessis managed to apply himself at the crease effectively. Currently unbeaten at 39, and accompanied by Vernon Philander (4*), du Plessis serves as South Africa’s only hope as they look to build on their current score of 141 for 7 after tea.
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