Banned for life: An Australian Story.

[DuneTiger]

FROM SANDPAPER TO ASHES



Tim Paine is announced the new Captain of the Australian Cricket Team!​

Steven Smith, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner have all been flown home over the recent sandpaper gate incident in Cape Town last week. Cricket Australia has just announced a lifetime ban for all 3 players from playing for Australia ever again. Their replacements in the test squad are Matthew Renshaw, Joe Burns and Glenn Maxwell. Chadd Sayers is expected to make his test debut in tomorrow’s final test match vs South Africa. Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell will be fighting for the final spot in the middle order left by Steve Smith’s departure, while it has been confirmed that Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns will open the batting for Australia in the last test. Will the South Africans be able to close out the series after their thumping victory in Cape Town or will Australia be able to keep whatever pride they have left.


----------------


As you can probably tell from what I’ve written so far, I am going to do a series where I try to rewrite the Australian path to Ashes glory starting from the 4th test match vs South Africa in 2018 and going all the way until the final Ashes test at The Oval.

My settings I will play on are going to be as follows -

Pitches based on the “Around the world in 80 pitches” forum https://www.planetcricket.org/forums/threads/around-the-world-in-80-pitch-sliders.112469/

Batting difficulty based around Twistie’s settings video.
Bowling difficulty: Hardest
AI difficulty: Legendary
Strike Timing = 50
Wicket Chance = 30
Bowl Quality = 60
Run Rate = 30
Fielding difficulty: Hard

I am going to play every match the Australians played of all formats at least up until the final ashes test. I may continue the series afterwards depending on how much I’m still enjoying playing out the series.

Anyway it is time for the first days play of the 4th test between South Africa and Australia taking place in Johannesburg.


South African XI:

1. Dean Elgar
   
   
2. Aiden Markram
   
   
3. Hashim Amla
   
   
4. AB De Villiers
   
   
5. Faf Du Plessis (c)
   
   
6. Temba Bavuma
   
   
7. Quinton De Kock (WK)
   
   
8. Vernon Philander
   
   
9. Keshav Maharaj
   
   
10. Kagiso Rabada
    
    
11. Morne Morkel
    

Australian XI:

1. Matt Renshaw
   
   
2. Joe Burns
   
   
3. Usman Khawaja
   
   
4. Peter Handscomb
   
   
5. Shaun Marsh
   
   
6. Mitchell Marsh
   
   
7. Tim Paine (c) (WK)
   
   
8. Pat Cummins
   
   
9. Nathan Lyon
   
   
10. Chadd Sayers
    
    
11. Josh Hazlewood
    

Pitch Conditions - Medium hardness, Grassy.

Toss Won By: South Africa

Batted First: Australia


4th Test Day 1 - Morning Session


Australian First Innings

5.1 overs - Philander to Renshaw

Renshaw OUT!

Philander full ball outside off swinging away. Renshaw drives - outside edge caught by Amla in the gully. Khawaja to the crease.


9.3 overs - Morkel to Khawaja

Khawaja FOUR!

Full inswinger by Morkel, inside edge goes past leg stump to fine leg for four. Unlucky for South Africa, but the first boundary of Australia’s innings.


10.2 overs - Rabada to Burns

Burns FOUR!

Good length ball, inswinger. Inside edge past leg stump to fine leg for four. South Africa completely on top of Australia’s batsmen here.


10.6 overs - Rabada to Burns

Burns OUT!

Rabada full ball outside off - cuts in off the seam and hits the top of off stump. A bad leave by Joe Burns. Handscomb to the crease.


11.3 overs - Morkel to Khawaja

Khawaja FOUR!

Morkel Back of a length at the body, Khawaja rocks back and pulls firmly for four. First really positive looking shot by an Australian batsmen this morning.


14.4 overs - Rabada to Khawaja

Khawaja FOUR!

Rabada full and straight, Khawaja onto the front foot and drives aggressively straight down the ground. 4 runs.


17.3 overs - Philander to Khawaja

Khawaja FOUR!

Philander full and on the pads, Khawaja whips through midwicket for 4. Khawaja has started to find his feet in this innings.


18.5 overs - Maharaj to Khawaja

Khawaja OUT!

Wide ball from Maharaj, Khawaja chases and edges. Caught by De Kock

Australia now 3 down for only 46. S. Marsh to the crease.



25.4 overs - Morkel to S. Marsh

S. Marsh FOUR!

Good length ball wide off the stumps - Marsh cuts powerfully through point for four. First boundary in 49 balls for Australia.


27.5 overs - Morkel to Handscomb

Handscomb FOUR!

Good length ball swings away - Handscomb attempted drive, edges between third slip and gully for four. Handscomb’s first boundary after 45 balls.


28.6 overs - Rabada to S. Marsh

S. Marsh FOUR!

Full ball on the pads whipped through mid wicket for 4.


29.6 - Morkel to S. Marsh

Dot Ball.

Outside off, left alone.

That end’s the first session of the 4th Test Match. South Africa’s session you would have to say with 3 wickets taken.


Australia 3/73 (30)

Handscomb 16 (50)*

S. Marsh 13 (32)*


Top Performers in the session.


Australia -

Khawaja 24 (51)

Handscomb 16 (50)*

S. Marsh 13 (32)*


South Africa -

Rabada 2/23 (8.0)

Maharaj 1/8 (6.0)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 1 - Afternoon Session


34.4 overs - Rabada to S. Marsh

S. Marsh FOUR!

Bouncer, chest high from Rabada. S. Marsh hooks high in the air wide of fine leg, one bounce four.


38.2 overs - Morkel to Handscomb

Handscomb FOUR!

Short and Wide from Morkel, Handscomb upper cuts over the slips down to third man for four.


39.5 overs - Maharaj to S. Marsh

Full ball on the legs - guided out to deep square leg for 1.

Brings up the 50 partnership between Marsh and Handscomb.

50 off 126 balls.



40.6 overs - Morkel to Handscomb

Handscomb FOUR!

Short ball at the body - pulled away by Handscomb to deep square leg along the ground for 4.


41.3 overs - Maharaj to S. Marsh

S. Marsh FOUR!

Wide half volley, driven powerfully along the ground to the cover-point boundary for 4. Runs starting to flow here for Australia.


45.2 overs - Philander to Handscomb

Handscomb OUT!

Full ball outside off, Handscomb drives and gets the outside edge. Caught by Elgar at 2nd slip. M. Marsh to the crease.



46.4 overs - Rabada to M. Marsh

LBW Appeal - Given Not Out

South Africa review! Wickets are umpires call - decision stands.

Mitch Marsh survives.



48.5 overs - Rabada to S. Marsh

S. Marsh FOUR!

Fast Bouncer from Rabada, Marsh hooks hard in between the two men in the deep on leg side. One bounce 4.



49.6 overs - Philander to S. Marsh

S. Marsh OUT!

Inswinging full hits the seam and moves away from Marsh and cannons into off stump. Absolute peach! Paine to the crease.



51.6 overs - Philander to M. Marsh

M. Marsh FOUR!

Back of a length ball outside off stump. Marsh onto the back foot and punching the ball through the covers for 4.


53.2 overs - Maharaj to M. Marsh

M. Marsh FOUR!

Full ball on leg stump, Marsh chips it over mid wicket and it goes for 4.


59.2 overs - Maharaj to M. Marsh

M. Marsh FOUR!

Full ball outside off, Marsh lofts the ball over the cover field and it rolls to the boundary.


59.5 overs - Maharaj to M. Marsh

M. Marsh OUT!

Good length ball on off stump - Marsh plays, inside edge onto pad and pops up into the air. De Kock Catches. Cummins to the crease.



59.6 overs - Maharaj to Cummins

Dot Ball. Defensive block.


Australia 6/154 (60)

Paine 7 (27)*

Cummins 0 (1)*


Top Performers in the session


Australia -

M. Marsh 27 (47)

S. Marsh 24 (67)

Handscomb 17 (39)


South Africa -

Philander 2/18 (7.0)

Maharaj 1/24 (10.0)

 

[Ed Smith]

Good concept for a story this. I like it

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 1 - Evening Session


64.4 - Philander to Paine

Paine OUT!

Inswinger on a good length hits Paine on the Knee roll. Given OUT! Paine will review… 3 reds. Paine is out. Lyon to the crease.




64.6 - Philander to Lyon

Lyon OUT!

Outswinger wide - Lyon attempts to drive and edges to third slip, Amla catches. Sayers to the crease.


65.3 - Maharaj to Cummins

Cummins OUT!

Ball of the pads flicked straight to mid wicket. Caught by Morkel.

Hazlewood to the crease. Australia have lost 3-0



67.1 overs - Maharaj to Sayers

Sayers OUT!

Maharaj straight ball, flighted, Sayers attempts to drive aggressively but misses. Clean Bowled!

Australia all out for 169.


South African First Innings


1.3 overs - Cummins to Elgar

Elgar FOUR!

Good length ball swinging away, Elgar drives and inside edges, down past fine leg for 4. Unlucky for Cummins.


6.1 overs - Hazlewood to Elgar

Elgar OUT!

Full ball swinging away outside off. Elgar attempts to drive, edges and is caught by Handscomb at 3rd slip. Amla to the crease.



12.1 overs - Hazlewood to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Back of a length outswinger from Hazlewood, Markram on the back foot punched through the cover point region for 4.


15.1 overs - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Half Volley on middle stump, lofted back over Cummins head, one bounce 4.


18.6 overs - Lyon to Amla

Dot Ball

Back of a length outside off pushed to point.


That Ends Day 1. Australia was very disappointing today, only managing 169 runs despite it being a decent batting pitch. South Africa dominated day 1 and finished the day only 1 down and only 93 behind Australia’s first innings total.


South Africa 1/76 (19.0)


Markram 39 (58)*

Amla 15 (42)*


Top Performers in the Session


Australia -

Hazlewood 2(3)* & 1/17 (7)

Paine 11 (24)


South Africa -

Philander 2/6 (4)

Maharaj 2/9 (3.1)

Markram 39 (58)*

Amla 15 (42)*[DOUBLEPOST=1609759546][/DOUBLEPOST]

Good concept for a story this. I like it

Thanks! I've almost finished the first test match and am planning to slowly release the results throughout the next few days.
From there I will obviously try develop the story much further.

 

[blockerdave]

4th Test Day 1 - Evening Session


64.4 - Philander to Paine

Paine OUT!

Inswinger on a good length hits Paine on the Knee roll. Given OUT! Paine will review… 3 reds. Paine is out. Lyon to the crease.

View attachment 241607

I know in this instance umpire's call would still be out, but that "hitting" should be umpires call not hitting. I'd be spewing if I was given not out and had it overturned with 3 reds if that was the hitting.

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 2 - Morning Session


19.1 overs - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

First ball of the day, Good length ball outside off, Markram aggressive drives over the top of cover for 4.


22.2 overs - Lyon to Amla

Amla FOUR!

Good length ball on middle stump. Amla paddle sweeps down to fine leg for 4.


24.4 overs - Lyon to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Markram FIFTY!

Full ball on leg stump, swept away to the boundary at backward fine leg and brings up the first 50 of the test match.

Markram 53* (76)




25.4 overs - Sayers to Amla

Amla OUT!

Half volley, outside off, outswinger, Amla attempts to cover drive and edges to the wicketkeeper, caught by Paine.



33.2 overs - Sayers to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Short and Wide from Sayers and Markram powerfully cuts to the point boundary. First boundary for South Africa in 52 balls.


34.1 overs - Hazlewood to De Villiers

De Villiers FOUR!

Wide half volley from Hazlewood and De Villiers drives aggressively to the point boundary.


35.1 overs - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Good length ball outside off, lofted by Markram over cover, 1 bounce and four.


35.3 - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Full ball outside off, Markram drives aggressively, edges between Gully and 2nd slip and goes for four.


36.3 - Hazlewood to De Villiers

De Villiers FOUR!

Full ball outside off, De Villiers cover drives along the ground for 4.


37.4 - Cummins to De Villiers

De Villiers FOUR!

Back of a length ball, De Villiers on the back foot driving back past the bowler for 4.

This also brings up the 50 partnership between Markram and De Villiers.


38.5 - M. Marsh to De Villiers

De Villiers FOUR!

Good length ball, De Villiers punches off the back foot for 4 straight down the ground.


39.5 - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Half volley on the stumps, Markram lofts back over Cummins head for four.


42.5 - M. Marsh to De Villiers

De Villiers TWO.

De Villiers drives out through the covers, Cummins fields it at wide long off.

With this two South Africa take a first innings lead only 2 wickets down.


43.2 - Lyon to Markram

Markram APPEAL!

Big LBW appeal, umpire gives not out.

Hawkeye shows it sliding down leg.


44.6 - M. Marsh to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Good length at the pads, Markram flicks aggressively through mid wicket for 4.


46.5 - Sayers to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Markram hits another lofted straight drive for four and moves into the 90’s.


47.6 - Lyon to De Villiers

De Villiers OUT!

Good length ball outside off, De Villiers attempts to drive straight, edges to the keeper. Tim Paine catches. Du Plessis to the crease.




48.6 - Sayers to Markram

Markram Dot.

Markram on the front foot defending. That ends a dominant session for the South Africans.


South Africa 3/191

Lead by 22 runs.


Top Performers in the session


South Africa -

Markram 53* (80)

De Villiers 47 (79)


Australia -

Sayers - 1/26 (7)

Lyon - 1/29 (10)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 2 - Afternoon Session


49.6 - Lyon to Du Plessis

Du Plessis FOUR!

Bowled down leg side and Du Plessis sweeps fine for 4.


52.1 - Hazlewood to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Full ball outside off Markram lofts over the cover region for 4 and moves to 98.


52.3 - Hazlewood to Markram

Markram Two.

Markram HUNDRED!

Short ball at leg stump, pulled away to deep square for 2.

Markram brings up a blistering hundred off 148 deliveries, a fantastic innings!




53.2 - Lyon to Du Plessis

Du Plessis OUT!

Inside edge onto the foot and balloons up to Handscomb at short leg, easy catch. Bavuma to the crease.




54.1 - Hazlewood to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Good length ball outside off. Markram drives aggressively through the cover for 4.


58.4 - Sayers to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Leg cutter outside off, Markram attempts to drive and edges between slip and gully for 4.


61.2 - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Full ball, straight, driven back between mid off and the bowler for four.

This is an enthralling battle between Cummins and Markram.



63.1 - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Full ball at the stumps, Markram lofts it over Mid off for four.


63.4 - Cummins to Markram

Markram APPEAL!

Inswinging yorker hits Markram on the foot, umpire gives not out.

No review.

Hawkeye shows going down leg.


65.1 - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Full and straight, clipped of the pads for four through mid-wicket.


68.1 - Hazlewood to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Good length ball swinging away outside off, Markram edges for 4.


71.2 - Lyon to Bavuma

Bavuma Two.

Good length ball just outside off, Bavuma sweeps out into the deep and gets 2.

That brings up the 50 partnership between Bavuma and Markram.


74.2 - Renshaw to Bavuma

Bavuma OUT!

Full ball outside off, Bavuma attempts to drive, edges to Khwaja at first slip.

What a change by Tim Paine, Renshaw strikes with his 2nd ball!

De Kock to the crease.



76.1 - Renshaw to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Half Volley and Markram lofts it straight for four.

76.2 - Renshaw to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Full ball down leg, Markram aggressively sweeps backward of square for four.


78.6 - Renshaw to Markram

Markram Dot.

Full ball outside off, Markram leaves.

That ends the afternoon session where South Africa scored 81 runs for the loss of Du Plessis and Bavuma.

Renshaw claimed his first test wicket and the session was highlighted by the epic contest between Cummins and Markram in the middle part of the session.


South Africa 5/272


Top Performers

South Africa -

Markram 54* (87)

Bavuma 17 (65)


Australia -

Renshaw 1/14 (3)

Lyon 1/14 (9)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 2 - Evening Session


80.0 - Hazlewood to De Kock

New Ball Taken.


82.6 - Hazlewood to Markram

Markram Two.

Markram 150!

Hazlewood bowls back of a length outside off, guided down towards the third man boundary and Markram collects 2.

He moves to 150.


87.1 - Cummins to Markram

Markram FOUR!

Full ball on leg stump, lofted over mid wicket for 4.


88.4 - Hazlewood to Markram

Markram OUT!

Back of a length ball outside off, swinging away, Markram attempts a back foot push and edges to Tim Paine. Markram out for a blistering 158. Philander to the crease.


92.3 - Sayers to Philander

Philander APPEAL!

Big appeal for LBW, inswinging ball hits Philander on the pads.

Umpire gives it not out, no review from Australia.

Hawkeye shows it as missing leg stump.


97.3 - M. Marsh to De Kock

De Kock FOUR!

Full ball outside off, De Kock lofts over mid off for 4.


103.1 - M. Marsh to De Kock

De Kock OUT!

Inswinging low full toss clipped off De Kocks pads, Burns takes a one handed screamer at short mid wicket diving to his right. Rabada to the crease.



106.4 - Lyon to Rabada

Rabada APPEAL!

Good length ball pitching around leg and spinning back hits Rabada on the leg, big appeal from Australia given not out. Australia review. Hawkeye shows it missing off stump.



107.6 - M. Marsh to Rabada

Rabada Dot.

Good length ball, straight and defended by Rabada.


That ends the 2nd day of play between South Africa and Australia here in Johannesburg. South Africa finished the day with a 177 run lead with 3 wickets left in hand. Australia will need to clean up the tail quickly tomorrow morning and bat extremely well to find their way back into this contest.

Markram was the star today bringing up his 4th test hundred and 2nd of the series in a brutal display.


Top Performers in the session -


South Africa -

De Kock 37 (71)

Philander 18 (50)


Australia -

Hazlewood 1/16 (6)

M. Marsh 1/16 (6)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 3 - Morning Session


109.6 - Hazlewood to Rabada

Rabada APPEAL!

Good length ball strikes Rabada on the pad. Given not out.

Australia used their last review!

No bat involved.

Hawkeye shows it barely going over the top, Rabada survives, Australia are out of reviews.




110.2 - Lyon to Rabada

Rabada OUT!

Full ball, Rabada presses forward to defend and edges! Caught by Paine, South Africa lose their 8th wicket. Maharaj to the crease.


112.3 - Lyon to Philander

Philander OUT!

Full ball outside off, spins back and catches Philanders inside edge onto his foot and pops straight up into the air, caught by Handscomb. Morkel to the crease.




114.5 - Lyon to Maharaj

Maharaj FOUR!

Full ball on the stumps. Maharaj sweeps behind square for 4.


117.2 - Cummins to Morkel

Morkel APPEAL!

Cummins bowls a good length ball that strikes Morkel on the pad, big appeal! Given OUT!

Morkel sends the decision up stairs.

Pitching outside leg!

And missing the stumps! Terrible decision but great review.




123.1 - Cummins to Maharaj

Maharaj FOUR!

Cummins full ball at the stumps, Maharaj lofts over mid on for 4.

This final wicket partnership now worth 42.


124.5 - Sayers to Morkel

Morkel OUT!

Full ball swings away outside off, catches Morkel’s edge and Handscomb takes a 1 handed at 2nd slip. South Africa are bowled out for 402 and the final partnership is finally broken after adding 48 runs.


Australian Second Innings


6.4 - Philander to Burns

Burns FOUR!

Slightly back of a length and at Burn’s body, he aggressively pulls to the boundary.


9.5 - Rabada to Renshaw

Renshaw FOUR!

Short ball at Renshaw, pulled away wide of fine leg for 4.


10.6 - Morkel to Burns

Good length ball outside off, left by Burns.

That wraps up the morning session on day 3. Australia survived the 11 over burst unscathed finishing 0/21 off their 11.


Top Performers in the session -


South Africa -

Maharaj - 32* (40)

Morkel - 13 (41)


Australia -

Lyon - 2/19 (7)

Sayers - 1/7 (1.5)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 3 - Afternoon Session


13.2 - Philander to Burns

Burns FOUR!

Wide half volley, aggressive drive from Burns goes to cover-point boundary.


14.5 - Morkel to Burns

Burns FOUR!

Good length ball outside off, Burns drives on the up and hits it to the cover boundary.


21.1 - Morkel to Burns

Burns FOUR!

Wide and short from Morkel, Burns cuts aggressively to the point boundary.

This also brings up the 50 partnership between Renshaw and Burns.


32.6 - Philander to Burns

Burns APPEAL!

Inswinging ball from Philander strikes Burns on the pad, given NOT OUT!

No review by South Africa, and Hawkeye shows it was going over.


33.4 - Maharaj to Renshaw

Renshaw FOUR!

Full ball outside off, Renshaw charges down the wicket and lofts it over cover, one bounce four. First boundary in 75 balls for Australia.





39.2 - Maharaj to Burns

Burns One.

Full ball on the pads, Burns plays it to long on and gets one.

That brings up 50 for Joe Burns off 127 balls. Only the second player to pass 50 this match.





40.6 - Rabada to Renshaw

Renshaw Dot.

Full ball at the stumps, Renshaw defends.

This ends the session, Australia added 67 runs without the loss of a wicket and the lead is reduced to 145 for South Africa.

South Africa still a long way ahead of the game, but a good fightback here by Australia.


Top Performers in the session -


Australia -

Burns 38 (98)

Renshaw 29 (88)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 3 - Evening Session


42.5 - Rabada to Renshaw

Renshaw FOUR!

Inswinging into the pads of Renshaw and he aggressively flicks it away to the mid-wicket boundary.


43.1 - Maharaj to Burns

Burns FOUR!

Wide half volley from Maharaj and Burns aggressively slaps over cover. One bounce for four.




43.2 - Maharaj to Burns

Burns APPEAL!

Full ball darted at the stumps, Burns lunged forward to defend, inside edge onto the pad. Appeal from South Africa, but no review.


44.1 - Rabada to Burns

Burns Two.

Half volley on the legs and Burns clips through mid on for 2.

That brings up the 100 run partnership between Burns and Renshaw.


44.2 - Rabada to Burns

Burns FOUR!

Rabada short ball at Burns, rocks onto the back and hooks, 1 bounce four between the two man on the boundary.


45.4 - Maharaj to Burns

Burns FOUR!

Floated up by Maharaj, Burns takes it on lofted back over the bowlers head for 4.


50.6 - Morkel to Renshaw

Renshaw One.

Full ball on the pads, Renshaw clips to deep sqaure leg for 1.

That brings up Renshaw’s 50 off 146 balls. A great opening stand here with Joe Burns.




52.3 - Morkel to Burns

Burns APPEAL!

Big appeal for LBW and given OUT!

Joe Burns decides not to review and Australia have lost their first wicket after a 120 run opening partnership. Khawaja to the crease.



53.5 - Rabada to Renshaw

Renshaw OUT!

Full ball on the legs, Renshaw attempts to flick but gets a leading edge to Amla at cover. Handscomb to the crease.




54.6 - Morkel to Handscomb

Handscomb FOUR!

Back of a length just outside off, Handscomb on the back foot punching through the cover point region for 4. Handscomb off the mark with a boundary.


55.4 - Rabada to Khawaja

Khawaja FIVE!

Full ball driven just wide of Philander at cover, quick single taken and Philander wildly throws at the stumps and it goes flying away to the boundary for 5.


59.3 - Maharaj to Khawaja

Khawaja FOUR!

Wide half volley and Khawaja slashes through the point region for 4.


61.3 - Mahraj to Khawaja

Khawaja FOUR!

Drifting into the legs and Khawaja flicks it away over fine leg for 4.


65.1 - Maharaj to Khawaja

Khawaja APPEAL!

Khawaja attempts to sweep and misses, big LWB appeal, given OUT!

Khawaja chooses not to review. S. Marsh to the crease.


65.2 - Maharaj to S. Marsh

S. Marsh OUT!

Full ball spins back into Marsh collects his inside edge and bounces into his foot and straight up, caught by Bavuma at short leg. M. Marsh to the crease facing a hatrick ball.




65.3 - Maharaj to M. Marsh

M. Marsh Dot.

Forward defence and Marsh survives the hat trick ball.


66.5 - Morkel to M. Marsh

M. Marsh FOUR!

Full ball outside off and Marsh aggressively drives through the covers for 4.


67.2 - Rabada to Handscomb

Handscomb FOUR!

Half volley and wide and Handscomb drives through cover point for 4.


70.4 - Morkel to M. Marsh

M. Marsh FOUR!

Short ball and Marsh quickly into position hooking 1 bounce 4, brave shot in the last over of the day.


70.6 - Morkel to M. Marsh

M. Marsh Dot.

Full ball angling into the stumps, Marsh defends. That ends the third day's play here in Johannesburg, with South Africa still in a commanding position in the match. It’s been a good fight back by Australia’s top order led by the opening partnership of Burns and Renshaw.


Top Performers in the session.


South Africa -

Maharaj - 2/25 (8)

Rabada - 1/37 (9)

Morkel - 1/26 (9)


Australia -

Khawaja 27 (38)

Handscomb 23* (53)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 4 - Morning Session


74.6 - Philander to M. Marsh

M. Marsh FOUR!

Wide and short and Marsh smashes it through point for 4.


75.3 - Maharaj to M. Marsh

M. Marsh OUT!

Flighted ball from Maharaj and Marsh attempts to loft over the top, he skies it and Morkel runs back and takes the catch. Paine to the crease.



80.6 - Philander to Handscomb

Handscomb APPEAL!

Good length ball nips back in off the seam and hits Handscomb on the pad.

Given NOT OUT! South Africa review.

No bat involved, impact outside the line and wickets missing, Handscomb survives.


82.2 - Philander to Handscomb

Handscomb SIX!

Wide ball from Philander and Handscomb throws everything at it and clubs over point for 6! The first 6 of the test match.

86.3 - Morkel to Handscomb

Handscomb One.

Good length ball at the body, tucked into mid wicket for a quick single.

That brings up FIFTY for Handscomb, the 3rd Australian 50 of the innings.




91.4 - Philander to Paine

Paine FOUR!

Full half volley and Paine drives through the covers for 4.


91.5 - Philander to Paine

Paine APPEAL!

Short ball, Paine goes back and across to cut, stays low and hits Paine on the pad, big appeal by the South Africans! Given NOT OUT!

South Africa review.

Impact outside off, decision stays not out.

South Africa have no reviews left




93.6 - Rabada to Paine

Paine FOUR!

Short from Rabada and Paine hooks aggressively to the square leg boundy for 4.


98.2 - Maharaj to Handscomb

Handscomb FOUR!

Full ball on the pads, Handscomb drives aggressively to the mid wicket boundary.


98.3 - Maharaj to Handscomb

Handscomb FOUR!

Full ball down leg and Handscomb flicks off his legs to the backward square boundary.



100.6 - Maharaj to Handscomb

Handscomb Dot.

Darted in full and straight and Handscomb defends and that ends the session.

Australia only lose M. Marsh and put on 102 runs, a great session for Australia. Australia now lead by 54 runs.


Top Performers in the Session


South Africa -

Maharaj - 1/20 (5)


Australia -

Handscomb - 50* (76)

Paine - 44* (90)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 4 - Afternoon Session

103.2 - Morkel to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Short and wide from Morkel and Paine ramps over the slips for 4.

104.5 - Maharaj to Paine
Paine One.
Paine FIFTY!
Wide ball pushed out to deep point for 1 by Paine. That brings up his fifty and the 4th Australian fifty in this innings.




105.3 - Morkel to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Full toss on the legs and Paine flicks it away for 4 at backward square leg.

106.2 - Maharaj to Handscomb
Handscomb APPEAL!
Full ball, spins back into Handscomb and hits him on the pad. Umpire gives NOT OUT! South Africa have no reviews but Hawkeye shows it was missing leg stump.

107.6 - Rabada to Handscomb
Handscomb APPEAL!
Full ball and cuts off the seam back into Handscomb and strikes him on the pad. Big appeal and the umpire gives it OUT!
Handscomb reviews.
Review shows no bat and 3 reds, Handscomb is OUT! Cummins to the crease.



111.3 - Rabada to Cummins
Cummins FOUR!
Short and Wide from Rabada. Cummins rocks back and cuts to the point boundary.

112.2 - Maharaj to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Full toss on the legs from Maharaj and Paine smashes it through mid wicket for 4.

117.2 - Maharaj to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Full ball on the legs and Paine lofts it over the short fine leg for 4.

117.5 - Maharaj to Cummins
Cummins FOUR!
Good length ball at the stumps and Cummins swings across the line to the vacant mid wicket boundary.

118.4 - Philander to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Short ball from Philander and Paine hooks it away for 4.

119.4 - Maharaj to Cummins
Cummins Two.
Down leg side and Cummins flicks away for 2 to deep square, that brings up the 50 partnership between Paine and Cummins.

121.3 - Maharaj to Cummins
Cummins FOUR!
Flighted up by Maharaj and Cummins takes one step down the pitch and launches it over mid off for 4.

121.4 - Maharaj to Cummins
Cummins OUT!
Darted in by Maharaj and Cummins attempts to clip it off his legs. Mistimed and it goes in the air to midwicket, caught by Amla. Lyon to the crease.

122.5 - Morkel to Lyon
Lyon FOUR!
Short from Morkel and Lyon hooks it away in the gap and gets 4.

122.6 - Morkel to Lyon
Lyon DROPPED!
Short from Morkel and Lyon hooks it straight to Bavuma at square leg who drops it! Lyon survives.

124.5 - Morkel to Paine
Paine One.
Paine HUNDRED!
Good length ball on the stumps and Paine defends it into the leg side, they scamper through for a quick single. Tim Paine brings up his first test match hundred! What an innings this has been in his first match as Test captain of Australia. It is also the first Australian hundred in the series!




130.6 - Rabada to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Short from Rabada and Paine hooks to the backward square boundary.
That ends the session, Paine the standout performer bringing up his first test hundred in his first match as captain!

Top Performers in the Session

South Africa -
Rabada - 1/13 (5)
Maharaj - 1/51 (14)

Australia -
Paine - 68* (97)
Cummins - 25 (42)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 4 - Evening Session

131.4 - Maharaj to Lyon
Lyon FOUR!
Flighted delivery outside off, and Lyon swings through the line over mid off for 4

135.5 - Maharaj to Lyon
Lyon FOUR!
Full ball wide and Lyon smashes it over mid off for 4.

136.5 - Rabada to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Short from Rabada and Paine hooks to the boundary.

137.6 - Philander to Lyon
Lyon OUT!
Inswings yourker from Philander and Lyon plays all around and it bowls him! Sayers to the crease.


138.2 - Morkel to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Full ball on the legs and Paine flicks it through the on side for 4.

139.1 - Philander to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Full and wide and Paine drives to the point boundary. The Australian lead is now 200 runs.

139.4 - Philander to Paine
Paine SIX!
Half volley outside off and Paine swings it away over long off for SIX!

140.2 - Morkel to Paine
Paine FOUR!
Short and wide and Paine ramps it over the slips for 4.

143.5 - Philander to Paine
Paine One
Paine 150!
Ball drifting onto the pads and Paine tickles it around the corner to fine leg for 4.


144.5 - Philander to Paine
Sayers OUT!
Short ball hits Paine on the shoulder, attempted quick single, Du Plessis picks it up from Gully and gets a direct hit at the keepers end, Sayers is run out! Hazlewood to the crease.

146.1 - Rabada to Paine
Paine OUT!
Wide ball from Rabada and Paine attempts to loft it over cover but skies it and a great catch running back by Amla. Australia are bowled out for 454 and South Africa will need 222 to win this final match and secure a series win.


South African Second Innings

11.2 - Cummins to Markram
Markram FOUR!
Good length ball around leg stump and Markram on the back foot punches it through mid on for 4.

11.6 - Cummins to Markram
Markram Dot.
That ends the 4ths day play of this final test match in Johannesburg, highlighted by a fantastic hundred by Australia’s new test captain, Tim Paine. Australia are still a chance to win this match and level the series if they bowl well tomorrow morning. South Africa are still requiring 181 runs to win, but finished the day 0 wickets down.

Top Performers in the session.

South Africa -

Rabada - 1/12 (4.1)
Philander - 1/14 (4)

Australia -

Paine - 41 (53)
Lyon - 10 (24)

 

[DuneTiger]

4th Test Day 5 - Morning Session

13.5 - Cummins to Elgar
Elgar FOUR!
Off cutting delivery outside off, Elgar attempts to drive and gets a massive outside edge which races to the boundary between slips and gully.

15.1 - Cummins to Markram
Markram Two.
Full ball driven straight missed by mid off and they run 2. That brings up the 50 partnership between Markram and Elgar.



16.6 - Lyon to Elgar
Elgar DROPPED!
Full ball and Elgar attempts to sweep, hits it to Sayers at short mid-wicket who drops the catch!
Australia desperately needed that one.

20.5 - Lyon to Markram
Markram OUT!
Full ball, attempted sweep by Markram collects a top edge and hits him in the arm and goes straight up in the air. Caught by Burns at short leg. Amla to the crease.



20.6 - Lyon to Amla
Amla EDGES!
Full ball spinning in, Amla plays inside the line and edges, falls just short of Khawaja at first slip.

23.5 - Hazlewood to Elgar
Elgar FOUR!
Full ball outside off and Elgar drives through the covers for 4.

37.5 - Hazlewood to Elgar
Elgar Two.
Elgar FIFTY!
Good length ball on off stump, Elgar pushes off the back foot through cover and gets two. That brings up Elgars 50 off 111 balls.



41.6 - Cummins to Elgar
Elgar FOUR!
Full ball lofted over the top of mid on, 1 bounce 4. This ends the session with South Africa only requiring another 91 to win.