Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Day 2: Talking Points

Australia and South Africa locked horns on day 2 of the 2nd test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. Australia has a lead of 1-0 in the series and the first day of the 2nd test was action-packed with some entertaining cricket witnessed on Day 2. Pat Cummins put South Africa in after winning the toss which proved to be the right move, as they dismissed South Africa on a lowish score and now are piling on the runs. Let’s have a look at some of the talking points of the day.

Australia lost Marnus Labuschagne in the first session

Australia started the day at 45/1 with David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease. Warner started off in a very aggressive way while Marnus started off slowly as he held one end up. The pair added 30 runs to the overnight score when Marnus was run-out for 14 and Australia were 75/2 at that stage. Steve Smith walked in to join David Warner in the middle and started chipping away with runs and in no time took the game away from the visitors.

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Warner and Smith stitch a 239-run partnership

It was the David Warner-Steven Smith show as the duo put on 239 runs for the third wicket and completely demoralized the South African bowlers. Smith missed out on a well-deserved hundred as he fell for 85 off 161 balls. David Warner continued his merry ways as this was his day. He became only the 10th cricketer to notch up a 100 in his 100th Test. He also became the second cricketer after Joe Root and the first Australian to notch up a double ton. He was on 200 off 254 balls before he had no choice but to retire hurt due to excessive exhaustion and cramps. He had to be carried off the field but not before notching up his 3rd double-ton overall.

Australia ended Day 2 with 386 runs on the board with the loss of 3 wickets

Cameron Green was later retired hurt on 6 off 20 balls after hurting his index finger on the delivery from Anrich Nortje. Travis Head walked out and chipped in with 48 off 48 and Alex Carey is with him on 9. Australia ended the day with 386/3.  It was a tough day in the office for the South Africans as they could pick only two wickets throughout the day. One of which was a run-out. Australia lead by 197 and they have seven first-innings wickets in hand with three days of play left. The hosts are in a very dominant position at the moment and should win the match comfortably.