The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the first day of the second Test match didn’t comprise of venom that was present in the pitch for the first Test at the Gabba but South Africa still couldn’t take any advantage in the first session.
Advertisement
Losing as many as four wickets in the morning session on Boxing Day, South African batters validated Australia captain Pat Cummins’ decision to win the toss and chose to bowl. Although the Australian fast bowlers bowled tight lines and lengths, the visitors were also found at the wrong end of two incredible fielding performances by Marnus Labuschagne.
With his part-time spin not being used by Cummins in the first two sessions, Labuschagne made it a point to contribute on either side of the lunch break to hurt the batting side badly.
It was in the 23rd over of the day when South Africa captain Dean Elgar (26) dabbed a Mitchell Starc delivery towards the right of Labuschagne at a shortish mid-off. Having shown immense interest in a non-existent single, Elgar found himself in trouble after Labuschagne slid to collect the ball and executed a direct-hit at the non-striker’s end within no time.
Elgar, who toiled hard during his 68-ball stay in the morning session, must have been furious after getting run-out minutes before the lunch interval. With Temba Bavuma (1) edging a Starc delivery to Australia wicket-keeper Alex Carey on the following ball, the hosts successfully staked claim on the session.
Marnus Labuschagne catch sums up terrific day on the field for Australian batter at the MCG
Only minutes into the afternoon session saw Labuschagne making his presence felt at the MCG yet again. South Africa batter Khaya Zondo (5) opting to play an expensive drive off Starc saw him hitting the ball aerially towards the left of Labuschagne at mid-off.
With less time to react for the second time on Day 1, the 28-year old player made it a point to flex his reflexes whilst grabbing an absolute stunner of a catch.
Speaking to Fox Cricket on the spider camera during a drinks break in the second session, Labuschagne termed it to be the kind of a day for himself on the field where nothing could hardly go wrong.
