Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden says South Africa needs to lift on day two of the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. Day one was tough for both teams; apart from Steve Smith and Beau Webster scoring fifties, most batsmen struggled. Kagiso Rabada took five wickets for South Africa and Mitchell Starc two quick wickets after Australia was bowled out for a small total.
Hayden, a JioStar expert, isn’t fully convinced it was Australia’s day. He says it was 80 percent in their favour mainly because South Africa didn’t look aggressive enough at the crease. I think South Africa actually won the first session and Australia’s comeback in the last session was unexpected. The weather was tricky too, changing from cloudy to sunny. Batting should have been easier but wasn’t. South Africa needs to come out with more intent on Day 2. A bit of aggression – even a few boundaries – would help. Otherwise Australia will be on top going into the next day,” he said.
He also criticized South African captain Temba Bavuma saying he lacked energy with the bat, noting he didn’t score until his 31st ball. That’s risky against world-class bowlers in their element,” Hayden added.
Sanjay Bangar, another JioStar expert, agreed it was Australia’s day. He said South Africa’s early wickets gave the control back to Australia. “The pitch had a lot of seam movement so the score doesn’t reflect a balanced game. Australia is in a good position, he said. Bangar praised former captain Graeme Smith’s skill and leadership but said South Africa needs to be positive and work on their footwork.
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“Steve Smith really stood out – he put pressure back on the bowlers when things got tough. Ngidi had a bad day, leaking runs while Australia’s bowlers were tight. For South Africa to score they need to find a way to create space by being more aggressive,” he concluded.
As for the game itself, Australia batted first but struggled early on, finding themselves 67/4 at the end of the first session. A partnership between Smith (66) and Webster (72) got Australia to 200 but Rabada and Marco Jansen kept the pressure on and Australia was 212.South Africa also had a tough day, losing 4 for 43. No one scored 20, Starc took 2, Cummins and Hazlewood 1 each. South Africa are 169 behind.
