Australian batsmen would hope to dominate South Africa’s bowling attack on the second day of the first Test at Kings mead on Friday. On Day 1, Australia, who won the toss and batted on an easy-paced pitch, were 225 for five when bad light ended play four overs before the second new ball was due. With no assistance for the bowlers from a slow surface, South Africa bowled with discipline to keep the batsmen in check. Apart from a bright third-wicket partnership of 56 off 92 balls between Warner (51) and Smith (56), most international cricket games between the second and third-ranked teams in Test cricket.

The action wasn't fast-paced, but there were various elements which combined to keep it absorbing right through on a slow pitch. There was a little seam movement up front with the new ball, there was reverse-swing later on and there was even decent help for the spinner. The momentum ebbed and flowed right through, with fifties from Warner and Smith pushing Australia forward initially, before South Africa hit back by removing both of them. Rabada and Philander were impressive, Morkel less so, while Maharaj will be delighted with the two top-order wickets he's got on day one.

Brief Scores (Australia: 5/225 after 76 overs. M Marsh 32, Paine 21)