Cricket: Clarke hits ton as South Africa bowlers shine on rain-hit day

Australia captain scores unbeaten 107 on opening day of first Test.

CAPE TOWN: Australia captain Michael Clarke hit an aggressive century as wickets tumbled all around him, on a rain-marred first day in the opening Test against South Africa.

Clarke was unbeaten on 107 scored off just 114 deliveries as fast-bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, who was making his debut, shared seven wickets between them to reduce the visitors to 214 for eight before rain interrupted play. Peter Siddle was unbeaten on nought.

After a two-hour rain delay, the Australian innings started off poorly, crashing to 40 for three after being sent into bat before Clarke stemmed the rot with a fourth-wicket stand of 103 with Shaun Marsh (44).

Clarke was given a torrid time by Steyn at the start
of his innings before launching a counter attack when Steyn was replaced by Jacques Kallis.

The Australia captain scored 40 of the runs as the stand with Marsh became worth 50, reached 5000 runs in Test cricket when his score was on 44, and hurried to his fifty off only 56 balls with nine fours.

The left-handed Marsh was tested with some short-pitched bowling early on but remained unruffled, collecting runs when the bowlers strayed in line or length in a 101-ball innings which included eight fours.

Marsh was trapped on his crease and given out by umpire Ian Gould. He asked for a review but it confirmed that Gould was right.

Marsh’s dismissal sparked off another collapse after tea as Michael Hussey, and Brad Haddin were dismissed in quick succession. Mitchell Johnson scored a rapid 20 before Philander dismissed the left-hander. Ryan Harris became the debutant’s third victim soon afterwards.

Steyn returned superb figures of four for 31, while Philander finished with three for 54, before rain interrupted South Africa’s charge. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th,  2011.