Australia moved one wicket from victory in the first Test against South Africa on Sunday after Mitchell Starc's swing bowling decimated the hosts' lower order and dampened their hopes of an unlikely recovery. South Africa's opener Aiden Markram provided some stout resistance, scoring 143 runs, while Quinton de Kock's unbeaten 81 also helped frustrate the visitors as South Africa recovered from a horrid start to their second innings. Yet the 23-year-old Markram proved a bulwark with a knock that belied his inexperience and gave the home fans a tantalising glimmer of an improbable victory. Vernon Philander (6) was caught behind, followed by the wickets of Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, who were bowled with successive deliveries. Tailender Morne Morkel held off for 27 deliveries, without scoring, to force play into the final day.

Source: dna March 04, 2018 17:03 UTC