During the first day of the first Test match of the ongoing South Africa’s tour of Australia in Brisbane, South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was successful in providing his team with a much-needed early breakthrough.
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It was on the first delivery that he bowled that Rabada drew first blood after his team was bundled out for 152 in 48.2 overs in the first innings as Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to field in the morning.
Rabada’s first wicket, however, wouldn’t have been possible without assistance from batter Khaya Zondo at short leg. One of the two South African batters to be dismissed for a duck today, Zondo made it a point to contribute on the field via a supreme reflex catch.
Rabada, who bowled a pinpoint short ball at Australia opener David Warner’s body, saw him defending in not the most convincing of manners. Having eventually not watched the ball, all Warner did was lob the ball towards Zondo.
With only a fraction of a second with him to complete a catch, Zondo jumped high into the air to catch the ball with one hand. Warner, whose Test form has enticed concerns from criticis despite his teammates brushing them aside, made a worst-possible start to a three-match series by registering a golden duck at The Gabba on Saturday.
Dale Steyn impressed by Zondo cricketer as David Warner out on golden duck
Former South Africa fast bowler took notice of Zondo’s catch to express admiration of the same on social media platform Twitter. The 32-year old player’s exceptional fielding performance has been followed by pacers Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje also picking a wicket each to run through the Australian top-order.
With 13 wickets having already fallen on Day 1, this match has already stood tall on its reputation of being a battle between fast bowlers of both the teams. If batters continue to struggle like this, a Day 3 or 4 finish will be well within reach.
