On Tuesday, South Africa had a bat first in the series decider and made a blistering start, dominating the opening session to race to 140/0 at lunch. However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically after the interval.

The Baggy Greens fought their way back into the contest, striking at regular intervals to wrestle control away from the hosts.

The breakthrough came when left-hander Marques Ackerman was dismissed for a superb 95, with South Africa on 158. 

Marques Ackerman. Photo: Cricinfo

Stumped by Alex Carey off the bowling of Nathan Lyon, the Dolphins captain fell just five runs short of what would have been his maiden Test century in only his second appearance for the world champions.

Ackerman struck 12 fours and two sixes in an entertaining innings that laid the foundation for South Africa’s strong start, but his dismissal opened the door for Australia to claw their way back.

Aiden Markram was next to depart, caught by Mitchell Starc off Josh Hazlewood for 78, as the visitors began to apply the squeeze.

Nathan Lyon dismissed Marques Ackerman and captain Temba Bavuma. Photo: Cricinfo

David Bedingham and Ryan Rickelton contributed 50 and 42 respectively, while all-rounder Marco Jansen battled his way to 52 off 71 deliveries lower down the order. However, all three fell to the left-arm pace of Starc, who ripped through the Proteas’ lower order.

Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, and Kagiso Rabada were all dismissed for ducks by Starc, while Simon Harmer remained unbeaten without scoring as South Africa were eventually bowled out for 329.

Starc was the chief destroyer, finishing with a devastating haul of seven wickets to ensure Australia ended the opening day firmly in the driving seat.

Reflecting on his innings, the player of the day, Ackerman, admitted that South Africa had left valuable runs out in the middle, particularly after such a promising start.

“We got off to a really good start and got a bit of a flyer. It’s always nice when the pressure comes from both ends. It wasn’t just coming from my side, as Aiden was also scoring at a good rate,” said the Dolphins captain.

“I wasn’t really trying to pace it – it was just the heat of the moment. I do tend to bat on the quicker side, and I think the short balls they bowled allowed me to score a bit quicker. It was nice to get some runs out there.

Mitchell Starc was the star with the ball by taking six wickets. Photo: Cricinfo

“If you had offered us 329 before the start of play, we probably would have taken it. But I think we all agree that we left a little bit out there.”

Ackerman conceded that South Africa’s inability to build another meaningful partnership after the dismissals of himself and Markram ultimately proved costly.

“We probably had a few soft dismissals and lacked a big partnership after Aiden and I got out. We needed someone to stick around for a session or so, but unfortunately, we lost wickets in clusters, which put us on the back foot.

“Plank (Marco Jansen) and Rickelton then put together a good little partnership to help us fight back.”

Despite coming agonisingly close to a maiden Test century, Ackerman was determined to take the positives from the experience while acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on the milestone.

“You live by the sword and die by the sword. I’ve experienced that throughout my career, but I definitely left a Test hundred out there, so I’m not really happy with that.

Gerald Coetzee was one of three players removed by Mitchell Starc for a duck. Photo: Cricinfo

“It’s good motivation to hopefully get my first one the next time I get an opportunity.”

Australia will begin their first innings on Wednesday morning at 10:30, knowing they have an opportunity to seize control of the series decider. 

The Proteas, meanwhile, will need an inspired performance with the ball, with early wickets crucial if they are to prevent the visitors from building a substantial first-innings lead and taking a firm grip on the match.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs