A fifty from Andile Phehlukwayo on day four wasn’t enough to prevent South Africa losing the first four-day Test to Australia A in Brisbane.
Australia A declared overnight on 248-7, handing the South Africans 360 for victory. It was always going to be a tall order and unfortunately the challenge only lasted 49.4 overs, as they were bowled out for 163 in a 197-run defeat.
After being bowled out for 284 in their first innings, the tourists were always behind in the game as they trailed the Aussies by 112 runs. The hosts piled on their second-innings total in just over 50 overs to give themselves a chance of victory.
SA A were in all kinds of bother early on in response as Daniel Worrall took two wickets in the first over of the match, first bowling Stephen Cook for a third-ball duck, then finding the edge of Omphile Ramela’s bat two balls later. A further two wickets fell without much fight to leave them reeling on 38-4.
Dean Elgar attempted to fight back, but he was Joe Mennie’s first of five victims on the day to perish for 37. Phehlukwayo produce a decent, counter-attacking 55 that included nine fours and two sixes, but when he lost his wicket, it was all but done.
Mennie took the last two wickets to wrap up his five-for. South Africa A will hope to bounce back in the next match, which starts in Townsville on Saturday.
Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
