South Africa were taken to the cleaners by a highly motivated Australian side, who finished the first day of the first Test in complete command of proceedings in Perth. Mitchell Starc (4/71) celebrated his comeback by starring with the ball but his efforts were ably backed up by Josh Hazlewood (3/70) and off-spinner Nathan Lyon (2/38). South Africa getting to 242 was largely down to the in-form Quinton de Kock's counter-attacking 84. David Warner (73 not out) sliced the Proteas attack into half in his characteristic style as the hosts finished at 105/0.
Faf du Plessis had chosen to bat first and Starc once again struck in the first over, just like he had in almost every game during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka. South Africa were down to 32/4 as Josh Hazlewood too, was back in his element, getting the ball to drift away a touch. The delivery to dismiss the dangerous Hashim Amla was a peach from the Australian pacer.
Du Plessis, like he always has in a pressure situation, combated the situation by grinding the attack down. Temba Bavuma (51) was fiesty and did not relent under pressure. The duo put up a 49-run stand before the South African skipper departed.
With half the side back in the pavilion, the visitors needed a big hand to resurrect their innings and De Kock played a peach of a knock. The left-hander was in exquisite touch during the One-Day International series between the two sides in South Africa and there was no change in his approach, and he found gaps at will.
The wickets of De Kock and Bavuma signaled the end of South Africa's batting hopes, and Starc came back to polish off the tail. Warner started with caution early on with Vernon Philander getting a touch of movement. Warner soon got into the groove with his trademark cuts and pulls. The Australian vice-captain was severe on the off-side and the South Africans could only watch as he bludgeoned Philander, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada. Spin was also treated with utter disdain from Warner as he attacked debutant Keshav Maharaj straight away, and brought up three more boundaries before stumps.
Brief score:
South Africa 242 (Quinton de Kock 84, Temba Bavuma 51; Mitchell Starc 4/74, Josh Hazlewood 3/70) lead Australia 105/0 (David Warner 73 not out, Shaun Marsh 29 not out) by 137 runs.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!