Mitchell Johnson used Australia’s dominant day two of the first Test in Centurion to stake his claim as the world’s No.1 fast bowler.
Johnson shredded the South African batting attack in just half a day’s play, taking figures of 4-51 and threatening to send the Proteas into a follow-on session.
Australia maintained a 257-run lead heading into day three when South Africa limped along to a total of 140-6 at stumps.
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Coming off a flawless performance on home soil against England in December and January, Johnson was straight back into the thick of things when he sent Graeme Smith (10), Alviro Petersen (2), Faf du Pleiss (3) and Ryan McLaren packing in a 13.3 over span before play was was briefly stopped ahead of stumps due to rain.
A couple of early bouncers unnerved Smith, eventually forcing him into an edge behind by day one hero Shaun Marsh at slips before dismissing du Pleiss with a 151km/h delivery.
The home side were a miserable 4-63 at tea, but a final session semi-revival saw South Africa add a further century at the cost of another two wickets.
The Aussies reached a first innings total of 397, dismissing the tail end shortly after lunch.
Mitchell Johnson, also looking dangerous with the bat, exited on 33 while Ryan Harris was dismissed for 19 by Dale Steyn (4-78).
Marsh’s call-up to Test side may prove one of the moves of the series after the 30-year-old added another 26 runs on day two to finish with a total of 148, partnering with Steve Smith (100) for a 233-run stand.
More to come.
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Photo: Alexander Joe/AFP/Getty Images.
