Australia defeat South Africa in Second Test day three as Alex Carey become second home gloveman to record Test century at Melbourne Cricket Ground
South Africa Cricket trail Australia by 371 runs following their Thursday’s defeat in the hands of the European side at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With the aid of rain in the morning and evening, as well as some conservative Australian batting, South Africa have taken the second Test into a fourth day. Whether they survive to a fifth will depend on their fragile batting line-up’s ability to withstand 98 overs of Australian aggression. It seems unlikely.
After a brief shower delayed the start of play by 15 minutes Alex Carey took centre stage, Australia’s wicket-keeper playing with intent – especially through the off-side – to become only the second home gloveman to record a Test century at the MCG. It was the first ton by an Australian keeper anywhere since Brad Haddin in 2013.
Cameron Green provided the most support, but he scored at a snail’s pace – presumably under orders to bat for time to prevent Australia having to send down too many overs today with an undermanned attack. As it happens, that is now their punishment tomorrow.
That attack has been bolstered by Mitchell Starc proving fit enough to bowl this afternoon. In his brief new ball burst with Pat Cummins he looked unhindered by the damaged middle finger on his bowling hand. However, the also-injured Green will not take the field and add to his first-innings five-for.
