Marsh leads Australian fightback
Thursday, 13 February 2014
CENTURION, South Africa, Feb 12 (AFP): Shaun Marsh led an Australian fightback on the first day of the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park Wednesday.
Australia were 176 for four at tea. They were reeling at 98 for four after being sent in to bat but Marsh (67 not out) and Steve Smith (29 not out) added an unbeaten 78 for the fifth wicket with positive stroke play.
David Warner hit two boundaries off Dale Steyn in the first over of the match but made only 12 before he was bowled by Steyn, edging an attempted cut into his stumps.
Chris Rogers made four before he was caught at short leg off Morne Morkel.
The tall fast bowler's first delivery of the match, after he replaced Steyn, was a bouncer which struck Rogers on the shoulder. The next ball was another lifter which Rogers fended to the leg side, with JP Duminy diving to his right to take a good catch.
New cap Alex Doolan and Marsh added 48 for the third wicket before Doolan was caught at midwicket off Ryan McLaren for 27.
Tea Australia 176 for 4 (Marsh 67*, Smith 29*) v South Africa