Proteas in Australia
Steyn takes three against Oz A
2012-11-02 10:09
Sydney - Australia A recovered from an early
setback to thwart South Africa's Test-strength bowling attack on the
opening day of their three-day tour match at the Sydney Cricket Ground
on Friday.
Australia A fought back from 44 for three in the 14th
over to be 325 for seven off 90 overs at the close after winning the
toss in the tour warm-up game before next week's opening Test in
Brisbane.
Spearheaded by premier paceman Dale Steyn, the Proteas
started strongly, capturing three wickets cheaply midway through the
first session.
But a 122-run stand between opener Rob Quiney (85) and Steve Smith (67) lifted Australia A.
Upon
the quick dismissals of Quiney and Smith Australia A slumped to 185 for
six before another rebuilding partnership of 133 between Glenn Maxwell
(64) and Alex Doolan (76 not out) saw the Australian selection through
until the final few overs of the day.
What began as an encouraging day for South Africa's vaunted pace brigade fell away to a long day in the field.
Steyn remained the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3-43, while Rory Kleinveldt snared 2-45.
Imran Tahir bowled better than his figures of 2-114 off 28 overs.
It
was a forgettable day for third paceman Vernon Philander, the No.2
ranked bowler in Test cricket, who failed to take a wicket and finished
with 0-76 from 16 overs.
Maxwell was the aggressor after tea,
hammering the spin trio of Tahir, JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis as he
smashed eight fours before being caught behind off Steyn.
Quiney hit 13 boundaries to top-score on the opening day.
Steyn
produced the pick of the wickets, clean bowling opener Liam Davis (10)
with a gem of a delivery that pitched on middle and beat the bat before
clipping off-stump.
Former Test opener Phil Hughes (5) and captain Andrew McDonald (0) went cheaply before Australia A regrouped.
Quiney
looked sharp before he was brought undone by Steyn, who enticed an edge
to Graeme Smith at first slip, while Steve Smith (67) lasted just three
more overs before he became Tahir's second LBW victim of the day.
Jacques
Kallis, recovering from a chest infection, and Morne Morkel were rested
from an otherwise full-strength South African team, though Kallis came
on as a replacement fielder late in the day.
The first of three Tests gets underway at the Gabba on November 9.