Australia suffered an unusually bad day at the office on this tour to South Africa, giving the hosts finally something to dream about since that first session at the Wanderers in the first Test. The third Test at Newland, Cape Town, saw South Africa in an unusually dominant position at stumps on day one as Australia folded with rather a modest first innings total on board and South Africa looked better than they have in this series so far. After their exploits in Australia, the expectations on South Africa were enormous. It was incredible then to not only see the home team crumble in the manner they did but also, watch Australia stage a dramatic comeback since that sordid tour to India last year largely due to a new line of frontline players. But Australia showed modest returns on day one of the third Test, being bowled out for 209 and only Simon Katich turning in a figure above the half century mark. After a start that could best be described as flattering to deceive, Australia cowered under Dale Steyn’s splendid bowling. South Africa, it has to be said, did not find their mark for much of the early hour. But once they did, Australia could only demonstrate a rare moment of defiance, perhaps the effect of the consequence of this match on a series already pocketed was having its effect. South Africa, stung like a wounded tiger, roared back and with Steyn’s four wickets in the mix, would perhaps wonder why they did not react similarly before it was too late to salvage the series. But the comeback was not just reserved for the bowling. Makeshift opener and comeback man Ashwell Prince and debutant Imraan Khan saw through South Africa till stumps rather presentably at 57 for no loss.
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