Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: As David Warner’s double century propelled Australia to a commanding lead on day two of their second Test match against South Africa, they completely took control of the situation.
Following their Boxing Day performance against South Africa, which saw them bowl them out for 189 runs, Australia jumped out to a 45-1 lead on Tuesday and quickly added 341 more runs.
They were led by Warner in his 100th Test, who overcame some difficulties to post a total of 200 before having to leave the field due to injury as his recurring cramps became more painful in the scorching MCG weather.
He joined Joe Root as the only other player to score a double ton in their 100th Test when he reached his 200 in 254 deliveries.
After an error during an overthrow caused Marnus Labuschagne to be run out for 14, Steve Smith was placed in the middle. He advanced to 85 off 161 deliveries before edging to the slips as Australia tried to increase the run rate.
Travis Head finished a 155-run third session with 48 not out off of 48 deliveries, maintaining his high-action batting style, and reached stumps at 386-3 with a 197-run advantage. The most effective bowler for the visitors was Anrich Nortje, a right-arm quick, who took 1-50 from his 16 overs.
With Cameron Green being forced to retire due to injury after taking a bouncer to the finger, which immediately swelled up and ended his day on six runs, Australia may have some issues with their bowling stocks in the second innings.
Green’s participation in the second inning is in doubt, and Mitchell Starc has already been ruled out of the third Test due to a finger injury, which means he won’t be able to continue bowling.
Labuschagne gives Warner a lifeline in milestone Test
If Labuschagne had not chosen to fall on his sword, Warner’s day might have turned out very differently.
Warner took an easy single with the score at 47 before deciding to take a risky second on an overthrow. Due to Labuschagne’s first run through the crease and his subsequent takeoff, anyone trying to reach the bowler’s end had no chance.
Fortunately for Warner, Labuschagne made the turn and attempted a comeback but was forced to leave after just 14 runs.
Since his debut, no player has run out more times in a Test match than Labuschagne’s fifth. Tim Southee, Babar Azam, and Root all have four.
High temperature fail to dent Warner run fest
In the exhausting second session, the Australians managed the conditions best as temperatures in Melbourne hovered around 37 degrees Celsius. The Warner and Smith partnership amassed 97 runs from the 27-over session without taking a wicket, racing to the lead and laying the groundwork for victory in a wholly one-sided period of play.
