Warner, Doolan build on Johnson devastation
Saturday, 15 February 2014
CENTURION, Feb 14 (AFP): David Warner and Alex Doolan built on Australia's sizeable advantage after Mitchell Johnson destroyed South Africa's first innings on the third day of the first Test at SuperSport Park Friday.
Warner (93 not out) and Doolan (48 not out) took Australia to 147 for one in their second innings at tea, an overall lead of 338.
Johnson continued his devastating form of the recent Ashes series against England - and his superb opening spell on the second day - and finished with seven for 68 as South Africa were bowled out for 206 in reply to Australia's 397.
AB de Villiers made a sparkling 91 for South Africa before he was ninth man out.
The left-handed Warner was dropped three times but played some thrilling attacking strokes as he and new cap Doolan added an unbeaten 146 for the second wicket after Chris Rogers was bowled by Dale Steyn in the second over of the Australian second innings.
Warner's first chance came on 26 when he hooked Vernon Philander to fine leg where substitute Dean Elgar dived but could not hold the ball.
He edged the next ball he faced, from Morne Morkel, high to second slip where a leaping Alviro Petersen could only get his fingertips to it. And, on 51, he was dropped in similar fashion by Graeme Smith at first slip when he slashed at Ryan McLaren.
Warner had faced 115 balls by tea, hitting 11 fours and two sixes.
Doolan was more circumspect and faced 85 balls, hitting seven fours.
Johnson struck with his fourth ball of the day when Robin Peterson fended a sharply lifting delivery to Michael Clarke moving to his left from second slip.
Tea Australia 397 and 147 for 1 (Warner 93*, Doolan 48*) lead South Africa 206 (de Villiers 91, Johnson 7-68) by 338 runs.