Watch: Ricky Ponting’s wild prediction during first Test against South Africa becomes true
The two teams are facing off in the first Test that kicked off on Saturday.
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Dec 17, 2022 11:53 am
Ricky Ponting’s wild prediction during first Test against South Africa becomes true (Image Source: Twitter)
Australia and South Africa are facing off in the first Test of the three-match that kicked off on December 17, Saturday and the first innings from the Proteas turned out to be disastrous as they were bowled out for just 152. While there were many moments to take away from the first innings, Ricky Ponting’s prediction over Marco Jansen’s wicket turned out to be the best one of all.
To add more, while South Africa were reeling at 132/5, during the fourth over of Nathan Lyon’s spell, Ponting predicted ahead of the fifth ball of the over that Jansen might come down the pitch and mistime the ball on the back of fielders who closed in inside the 30-yard circle. Much to the stupefaction of the fans, the Proteas batter came down the pitch and mistimed it, only to be caught by Cameron Green.
South Africa crumble in first innings of first Test
After being forced to bat first, the South African team led by Dean Elgar got off to a shaky start as openers Elgar and Sarel Erwee made their way back to the dressing room after contributing 3 and 10 to South Africa’s scoreboard. It was Kyle Verreynne who helped the team to cross the 100-run landmark with his great-hearted 68 and eventually, the Proteas were bowled out before touching the 160-run mark.
Australia, on the other hand, got off to a nightmare start as David Warner perished for a golden duck on the back of a stupendous delivery from Kagiso Rabada. Usman Khawaja rushed to the dressing room after scoring 11 runs while Marnus Labuschagne made his way back to the pavilion after contributing as many runs.
At session 3 of Day 1, Australia were reeling at 36/3 with Steve Smith and Travis Head in the middle, trailing by 116. It remained to be seen if the Baggy Greens would take the lead on Day 2, given that the Proteas pacers were brimming with fire, giving no room for the Australian batters to keep the scoreboard ticking.
