South Africa were bowled out for 284 on day three of the first Test against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban, leaving them 106 runs behind on first innings.
Australia then reached 33 without loss in their second innings, taking their total lead to 139 runs. Bad light ended play early.
“We could have been better sometimes at sensing the intensity of the opposition and reading the state of the situation,” Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince told the media after play, IOL reported.
Seven South African batters reached double figures in the innings. None of them went on to score a half-century.
According to IOL, Aiden Markram and David Bedingham both gave their wickets away after building a base for what could have been a big partnership.
Prince said Australian captain Pat Cummins keeps pushing his fast bowlers when he sees a chance. He said each wicket gives the Australian attack fresh energy.
“Just as a partnership looks like it’s going to wrestle advantage towards us, a wicket falls, and every time a wicket falls, it energizes their bowling attack and they feel they can push on a bit more,” Prince said.
The gap between the two teams showed in Australia’s first innings. Opener Matt Renshaw batted for a long time and scored 190.
Prince defended his batters’ plan to play on the front foot and to use the sweep shot against spin. He said the team talks a lot about playing positively.
He also pointed to two very good catches by Steve Smith. “Sometimes those beat the field for four, and sometimes it takes a couple of blinders,” Prince said.
Prince said Australia rely heavily on their three seam bowlers, with spinner Nathan Lyon holding one end. He said that kind of intensity can only last for a certain time.
“That’s probably the biggest learning for the team. Sometimes you’ve got to be able to absorb that intensity until you take the sting out of the attack, and then there are runs to be had,” he said.
Australia were expected to score quickly on day four to give themselves time against the fading Durban light. Prince said South Africa must answer with an attacking bowling plan.
“Taking wickets is the best approach for us. You’ve got to look to take wickets while controlling the run rate,” Prince said.
He said Australia could afford to take more risks with their lead. “We’ll need to put the ball in their court and compel them to take us on,” he said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.