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On the opening day of the first Test match between South Africa and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, the Australian vice-captain Steve Smith hit a couple of boundaries against the Proteas pacer Anrich Nortje but was castled by an absolute jaffa in an apt revenge.
It all happened in the 33rd over of Australia’s first innings. The second delivery of the over slightly moved off the deck resulting in Smith’s stumps flying. From the naked eye, it looked like the ball had taken an inside edge of Smith’s bat, but it was not the case, and the tourists got a much-needed breakthrough after a 117-run partnership between Smith and Travis Head for the fourth wicket.
Smith, who indicated signs of movement off the deck after being dismissed, walked back to the pavilion in utter disappointment. He scored 36 off 68 balls.
Here is the video of Norje’s ripper:
Anrich Nortje with a ripper to remove Steve Smith 😍
South Africa have an opening at the end of day one after being dismissed for just 152 in the first dig… pic.twitter.com/mdUiw227G8
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 17, 2022
Australia set to take the lead over South Africa
At stumps on the first day, Australia – captained by Pat Cummins – were trailing by seven runs with five wickets left in their first innings.
After bundling out the touring party for just 152 in 48.2 overs, the Aussies lost the wickets of their top three batters – David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne – quite early. However, Head stayed unbeaten on 78 off 77 balls with the help of 13 fours and one six. On Day 2, the home team will look to take a big lead over Dean Elgar and his men.
“It was an entertaining day of cricket. We fought hard, lost a couple of wickets at the end, but we will take that on a very tough wicket,” Head was quoted as saying at the end of the first day’s play.
Head also mentioned that staying positive on a tricky surface like this is the way forward for batters to taste success.
“Very tough, a bit up and down. We tried to be as positive as we could, and just hung in. Very important morning tomorrow,” the southpaw added.
