Australia’s pacemen in ripping form in South Africa tour match

By Deputy Chief EditorFebruary 23, 2018

181 1 minute read

Australia's pace attack have continued from where they left off in the Ashes, ripping through the South Africa A batting line-up in their opening tour match in Benoni.

The tourists closed on 3-87 after the hosts were dismissed for 220 inside 59 overs with Pat Cummins (4-32) and Josh Hazlewood (3-40) the pick of the bowlers.

Pat Cummins has had a good first outing in South Africa. Photo: AAP

Hazelwood dismissed three of the top four batsman, including skipper Khaya Zondo for just three.

Mitch Marsh (2-50) and Mitchell Starc (1-37) took the other wickets for Steve Smith's side.

A strong Australia side, missing only David Warner, struggled in their early response with Usman Khawaja mistiming a pull shot off Duane Olivier to be caught by Zondo for 22.

He was quickly joined back in the pavilion by Peter Handscomb, who departed for no score after driving straight to point to hand Olivier his second wicket and leave the visitors teetering at 2-30.

Skipper Smith looked in imperious touch, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and a six before being surprised by a quicker delivery from Malusi Siboto and edging behind for a breezy 23 off 24 balls.

But West Australia duo Cameron Bancroft (22) and Shaun Marsh (10) held firm to guide Australia through to stumps.