Cameron Green bags maiden 5-for as Proteas bundled out for 189
Green bagged his maiden 5-fer [Associated Press]
With the pitch at Gabba taking the centre stage last week, speculations were going around that the green tinge will be removed for the Boxing Day Test at MCG.
There was a slight tinge of grass left and that again back-fired for the Proteas as they were bundled out for a mere 189. At-least this time around, the surface can't be blamed as poor shot selection and decision making costed South Africa a golden opportunity to pile on some runs.
Heading into the 2nd Test, South African batters were under immense pressure and Pat Cummins decided to test Dean Elgar and co. as the Aussie won the toss and elected to bowl first.
The decision paid dividend immediately as the visitors looked vulnerable and toothless against an attack that has done wonders in the last few years.
The pace trio of Cummins, Boland and Starc bowled with great discipline and got the early breakthrough in the form of Sarel Erwee. Australia were outstanding with the ball but they dropped as many as four catches.
On a relatively good batting surface, South Africa will be disappointed with how things panned out for them. Skipper Dean Elgar's run-out didn't help their cause either. He drove one to the cover region and was eager to take on Marnus Labuschagne who hit the bulls eye and Elgar had to depart for 26.
With the dismissal of Elgar, the visitors lacking with confidence fell like a pack of cards and slipped to 58 for 4 in the morning session itself.
A lot was expected from the experienced Temba Bavuma but he too disappointed. Starc bowled an away seaming delivery and Bavuma nicked one back to Carey.
Zondo followed Bavuma backed to the pavilion, thanks to another brilliant bit of work by Labuschagne. Zondo stepped out to drive Starc past mid off but Labuschagne leaped and took an outstanding catch to end Zondo's scratchy innings.
Underrated by many, Kyle Verreynne resurrected the innings and formed an unlikely alliance with Marco Jansen. Jansen should have been dismissed on 37 when he pulled Cummins towards the square leg and Khawaja squandered the chance.
Both the batters notched up their respective fifties, but Cameron Green finally came to life with the ball and got rid off both the batters in quick succession. The 112-un partnership steadied their sinking ship but there was not much else from the other batters.
Green ended the innings with wickets of Rabada and Ngidi as South Africa folded on a below par total.
Despite losing Usman Khawaja for just 1, Australia finished the day on 45.
Brief Score
South Africa: 189-10 (68.4)
Marco Jansen 59 (136), Kyle Verreynne 52 (99);
Cameron Green 5-27 (10.4), Mitch Starc 2-39 (13)
Australia: 45-1 (12)
David Warner 33* (51), Marnus Labuschagne 5* (12);
Kagiso Rabada 1-24 (5)
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