Australia vs South Africa 2016: 3rd Test Day 1 - 5 talking points
South Africa made some bold moves right from their team selection to a surprise declaration late in the day, but honours remained split at the end of an intriguing day’s play at the Adelaide Oval.
Generating lateral movement from the surface with the pink ball, Australia’s Josh Hazlewood created havoc by picking up a four-wicket haul. Faf du Plessis kept his name in the headlines, albeit for different reasons today, as he made a fighting hundred before declaring the innings at 259/9 to let Philander and co. have a go at the Australians under lights.
However, debutant Renshaw and Khawaja – who opened in place of Warne – who couldn't walk out to open due to a strain in the shoulder while fielding, negotiated 12 tricky overs for 14 runs.
Australia handed a debut to three of their batsmen, Renshaw, Maddinson and Handscomb while South Africa had a debutant of their own in Shamsi, a wrist spinner. Wrist spinners are believed to be hard to read with the pink ball, a decision that handed Shamsi a debut ahead of the impressive Maharaj.
However, it was Hazlewood and Faf du Plessis who stole the limelight on the 1st day of the 3rd Test at Adelaide. Here are the talking points from the day.
#5 Hazlewood shines with the ball
Hazlewood was clearly the best bowler on show on Day 1, generating lateral movement and swing to trouble the South African top order. He had bowled equally well against the Kiwis with the pink ball in the inaugural day-night Test, taking a six-for. Today he had to settle for four.
His impressive lines got rid of Hashim Amla, who has been struggling right through the series against Hazlewood. His subtle movement caught Amla off guard and he edged to the slips. He followed that up with the wicket of the dangerous Duminy, who also edged behind an inswinger from the tall fast bowler.
Possibly the biggest breakthroughs by him came in the session post tea, when he had de Kock caught behind. The wicketkeeper had troubled Australia right through the series with his counter-attacking batting.