Australia destroyed South Africa’s flimsy batting before heaping on late runs to take control of the second Test in Melbourne on Monday. All-rounder Cameron Green took a career-high 5-27.
A determined David Warner, playing his 100th Test, was unbeaten on 32 and Marnus Labuschagne was not out on five to lead the home team to 45-1 at day’s end after the visitors were knocked for 189.
Usman Khawaja was out for one as Kyle Verreynne caught him from behind off Kagiso Rabada.
On a difficult and green Gabba track in Brisbane last week, Australia defeated England by six wickets in the first of three Test matches.
Although the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s ground was less favourable for bowlers, captain Pat Cummins unexpectedly decided to field at a place where toss-winning teams often bat first.
Dean Elgar, the captain of South Africa, expressed confusion at the choice, but it turned out to be inspired in front of 64,876 spectators as the Proteas lost early wickets as they once again struggled against the firepower of the hosts’ bowlers.
Before the enormous Australian bowled Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, Jansen was gone after two balls, caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for 59 off Green.
The Proteas lost their final five wickets for 10 runs as Green claimed 4-8 for the period.
Recently before midday, they witnessed the shocking departures of Temba Bavuma and Elgar, who had just reached 5,000 Test runs.
They were now behind 58-4, and the inexperienced middle order was faced with an impossible job.
