In the pantheon of Melbourne’s greatest Test moments, few rival the impact of Bob Cowper’s historic triple-century, Warnie’s hat-trick or Thommo and Allan Border’s last wicket heroics… until now – says KEN PIESSE:
Rumours of Dave Warner’s cricketing death have been greatly exaggerated.
It matters little that he started them. His unbeaten double century on the second day of the Boxing Day Test match was a remarkable performance from Australia’s 36-year-old veteran.
And there could be more, too, with Warner set to bat at the fall of the next wicket as Australia chases 500-plus and look to truly bury the lack-lustre South Africans coming into next week’s third and final Test of the series, starting January 4.
In his 100th Test match, Warner played with wonderful focus and energy throughout on a veritable batting paradise.
The Australians scored at six runs an over in the final session to extend their lead to almost 200 with three full days to play.
So aggressive and dominate were they that the South Africans bowled just one maiden in 60 overs. The fought hard enough but like on the opening day were simply out-classed.
In blistering heat, champion paceman Kagiso Rabada was pasted and Lungi Ngidi totally defenceless, eventually limping from the field in the final session.
Dean Elgar’s captaincy was poor and uninspired and several key chances were grassed, including Warner to a regulation caught behind chance when he was 124.
The tourist’s specialist spinner Keshav Maharaj barely spun even one delivery, Warner greeting him with two flowing cover drives for a four and three to the first balls he bowled.
A fortnight ago in Brisbane so green was the wicket that it was barely discernible from its immediate surroundings. This one is wide and white, making South Africa’s sub-200 score on Boxing Day particularly embarrassing.
Steve Smith (85) advanced at Maharaj and struck an 80-metre six wide of long on into the MCC members.
Maharaj was given 24 overs in a row from the member’s end while Elgar attacked from the other, his fastest bowler, the big hearted Anrich Nortje reaching speeds of 155km/h, the fastest of the summer.
Late in the day, armed with the second new ball, he was responsible for Cameron Green retiring hurt with a short one which thudded into his gloves, drawing blood.
Heroes abounded for Australia as the glamour Test match of the summer lurched irretrievably from South Africa’s grasp.
The first two, double-centurion David Warner and Smith were relentless in allowing Australia to build a match winning lead which will surely see them emerge with a 2-0 series margin tomorrow or Thursday.
The third hero was Marnus Labuschagne who sacrificed his wicket after Warner had called for an impossible second run shortly after drinks in the first session.
Having initially called no, Labuschagne sprinted for the far crease having realised Warner had come through for a second and was all but at his end. His despairing dive was two feet short.
Labuschagne had made an immaculate start, too, and seemed intent on building another three figure score.
Instead he had to settle for just 14, reducing his Test average this summer to a mere 106.
He remained on his knees for almost a minute as the umpires called for video evidence. It was hardly needed, so far out was the distraught Queenslander.
Warner scored 54 runs in the first session, 49 in the second and 65 in the last before having to retire hurt with bad cramps. His dominant display was timely given that many believe he is in his farewell home Tests.
KEN PIESSE has covered cricket and football for more than 30 years in Melbourne. Despite that setback, Ken has written, published and edited 86 books on cricket and AFL football to become Australian sport’s most prolific author.
His latest cricket book is David Warner, The Bull, Daring to be Different with Wilkinson Publishing, out now
www.cricketbooks.com.au
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