WA On Top of South Africa

South Africa is in danger of losing their opening tour match to struggling Western Australia. WA has not managed a single win in this years Pura Cup. Debutant medium pacer Shawn Gillies derailed the South African top order claiming 3/41 (at one stage he had 3/7). Gillies was well supported by Beau Casson who cleaned up the tail, and finished with figures of 4/21. South Africa were forced to follow on 212 behind the WA first innings of 8 declared for 391. At stumps South Africa had limped to 25/2.

The young WA side had earlier handled the South African bowlers with few problems, in fact only Charl Langeveldt had shown any real form and deservedly finished with the best figures with 4/104 he unfortunately proved expensive conceding over 4 runs per over. David Bandy was in good batting form for WA during the morning session striking 8 boundaries and a six in his entertaining 64. Bandy received good support from the lower order with all of the WA batsman registering double figures.

South Africa started quite well with the openers A.B. De Villiers (27) and Jacques Rudolph (43) commencing with a solid 71. Even at tea (116/4) South Africa looked capable of forcing this three day game into a draw, but during the last session they lost their last six wickets for a meagre 63 runs. Things did not become any brighter in the follow on with both De Villiers (7) and Herschelle Gibbs (13) falling cheaply. The pressure will be on South Africa during the final day to show some better application. The not out batsman are Jacques Rudolph (4*) and Ashwell Prince yet to score.

Stumps Day Two (Three day game)

Western Australia 8 Dec 391
Adam Voges 101 & David Bandy 64
Charl Langeveldt 4/104

South African 1st Innings 179
Jacques Rudolph 43 & A.B. De Villiers 27
Beau Casson 4/21 & Shawn Gillies 3/41

South African 2nd Innings 25/2