Dean Elgar:
Another 60 runs might have been a different result. Still trying to wrap my brain around what’s happened. (On the pitch) It was pretty spicy (smiles), if you’re a bowler, you’d be licking your lips at how everything unfolded. Challenging for the batters, no doubt. That is okay if there is a good contest between bat and ball. Obviously, on the flip side, I don’t see it as that way really. (On MCG preparation) I honestly think we couldn’t have prepared any better coming into this series.
We’ve hit enough balls but I think conditions were not in favor of the batters in this game. I think the partnership between Smith and Head stand made the difference. I can’t really think of too much else. We’ll still prepare the same way and take it from there. I’m glad to have three days to go back to the drawing board. A few scars might have opened up. We have more players on the sidelines waiting. If you have quality bowling attacks people will want to watch. But they will want to watch for five days, which obviously did not happen today.
Pat Cummins:
Great couple of days, a great way to start the series. tricky wicket. Head and Smith the way they got us to a good total was awesome. I wasn’t happy with my bowling yesterday, couldn’t get my lengths right on a green top on day one. Happy today, I thought all the bowlers were fantastic. (On the pitch) I’m a bowler, you’re asking the wrong person (smiles). We had a couple of partnerships, and a couple of batters played well. Head almost got a hundred on it. In a way, happy to have ended on the right side of it. (On Starc) Keeps impressing. The longevity to take 300 and play ten years is great, he keeps going to a different level. Around the wicket, nipping the ball away is a new skill. He is a huge member of our team and continues to get better. (On the extra days) It is nice. All attention turns to boxing day. Look forward to it, and can’t wait!
Travis Head is the POTM:
It was very difficult. There was plenty of help for bowlers Nice to contribute, get to a score and get there in the end. (On the conversation with Smith yesterday) We were looking for scoring opportunities. They bowled good areas and it was challenging. We were able to get through and had a bit of luck, nice to have a partnership that contributed to winning the game. (On if MCG will be different) It was a challenging wicket. The bowling attacks are great. So, regardless of the wicket, there will be a challenge.
Steve Smith on Seven
“Yeah It wasn’t much fun for us batters out there, to be honest. It was a very challenging wicket. Lots of seam movement, very up and down, and divots in the wickets. It wasn’t much fun but fortunately, we were on the right end of it.”
Mitchell Starc:
I’m not sure if I have ever played a two-day Test. It was very interesting, to say the least. (On the 300-wicket achievement) It’s pretty cool. Green said it the ball that got the wicket was better than the one where he dropped the catch. It is cool and prestigious. I might reflect when all’s done and dusted. (On if prioritizing Tests has helped) I guess so. I might have not prioritized it, I have sacrificed some time to spend more time with Alyssa. I’ve enjoyed my cricket and have been consistent in the last two years. (On being asked what’s helped) Bowling captain (laughs) Boland’s come in and been unbelievable. Josh’s been great. We’ve complemented and know how to get the best of each other.
Nathan Lyon walks into the frame, Starc, referring to the spinner, says he bowled well. If it seems and spins. Lyon says, “I’ve always said I enjoy playing cricket to watch my mates do well. It’s great to see Starc do well in all three formats.” (On being asked if he can believe the match finished so early) I can believe it because it’s two great bowling attacks going at each other. I think it’s bowling attacks. (On the pitch) I’ve always said it’s best when there is a contest between bat and ball. Head was the difference, you see the scorecard and find out that was the case.
Australia vs South Africa Highlights today. 1st Test, Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Sunday 18-12-2022, South Africa tour of Australia 2022.
Australia, elected to field first.
Australia team: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
South Africa team: Dean Elgar (capt), Sarel Erwee, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Head to Head In Test’s: 98
Australia Won: 52
South Africa Won: 26
Australia Test Rankings: 1st
South Africa Test Rankings: 3rd
Form guide
(Last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia WWLWW
South Africa LLWWW
Match Timings: 12:20 AM GMT | 10:20 AM Local
Umpires – Chris Gaffaney, Rod Tucker
TV Umpire – Richard Kettleborough
Match Referee – Richie Richardson
Reserve Umpire – Donovan Koch
Match number – Test no. 2482
