CAPE TOWN - The highlights and lowlights from the first day of South Africa's pivotal third Test against Australia at Newlands.
Celebration
Dean Elgar spoke about his frustrations in not being able to convert promising starts into anything substantial in 2018 in the lead-up to this third Test. All of this emotion overflowed when the left-hander reached his 11th Test century, almost pulling off an Imran Tahir-like run towards the Oaks upon reaching the milestone.
Drop
The catching has been of a high standard throughout this series, but the Aussies were forced to rue a crucial missed opportunity when Nathan Lyon dropped a straightforward chance at point when Elgar was still on 53.
AB’s dismissal
The former Proteas captain once again looked a class above any of the other Proteas batsmen on show while he was at crease. However, when he struck a Pat Cummins half-volley straight to mid-on it set in a collapse of six wickets for just 48 runs.
. @deanelgar spoke to the media at the end of today’s play. Here he is reflecting on his & the team’s performance. #ProteaFire #SAvAUS #SunfoilTest pic.twitter.com/GahkuK7oY8
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 22, 2018
Roar
There was little doubt about who the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for. No, it was not Elgar’s century but instead for Proteas superstar Kagiso Rabada when he walked out to bat. Newlands just wanted the young fast bowler to know he is appreciated down here.
Crowd
The crowds for the first two Tests in Durban and Port Elizabeth have been very disappointing, but Cape Town did not disappoint once again with 9293 people streaming through the gates on a “working” Thursday.