Australia were in firm control at stumps on day one of the once-off Test against the Proteas Women, on a day that saw 15 wicket tumble at the WACA in Perth.

South Africa had a bat first, but their time at the crease was short-lived after being bowled out for 76.

Only the former captain Suné Luus was able to trouble the scorers with 26-runs off 45, while Masabata Klaas scored 10 not out.

Darcie Brown was the chief destroyer with the ball for Australia with 5/21 in 9.2 overs. Annabel Sunderland took 3/19 in 9 overs, while Tahlia McGrath took 2/4 in 3 overs.

The Proteas were dealt a blow ahead of play with the seasoned allrounder, Marizanne Kapp, being ruled out through injury.

The Australian captain, Alyssa Healy, guided her team to 251/5, before losing her wicket for career-best of 99 to the debutant, Delmi Tucker. This is incidentally also the highest Test score of her husband, Mitchell Starc, who is the frontline seamer for the Australian men’s team.

Beth Mooney continued her fine form in the multi-format series with 78-runs before being caught in the slips by Luus off the bowling of Nadine de Klerk, while Sunderland supported Healy well with 54 not out.

While Tucker conceded 23-runs in her five overs, she bowled really well and she managed to turn the pressure on Australia. It showed in claiming the wicket of the Australian skipper, Healy, caught-and-bowled.

The Botshabelo-born seamer, Masabata Klaas, who took 3/39 in 11 overs on debut, told OFM Sport that Healy’s wicket has given them some confidence going forward.

“I think that her wicket changed a lot because she was at the crease for quite a long time,” said Klaas.

“That partnership she had with Sunderland forced us to stay patient because in Test cricket you get tested in everything.

“I think her wicket was a game-changer for us, but we still have to bounce back tomorrow because we still have another five wickets to take.”

Play at the WACA resumes on Friday morning at 5:00, with Australia holding a 175-run lead.

Out for 99! ??

Alyssa Healy falls one short of a Test century - as Tucker takes her first Test wicket! #PlayOfTheDay | @hcltech | #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/eBEinOAGr2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 15, 2024

Morgan Piek OFM Sport