That’s it from me today, my TV went straight from the cricket and into two men hitting each other (Boxing) without so much as a second glance. Geoff and I will be back for day two tomorrow and I’ll leave you with the big moment from day one - as Alyssa Healy became the fifth woman to perish on 99 in Test cricket.
As Michael Atherton told me a few years back:
It is impossible to know why that one run matters so much. But it does.”
Out for 99! 💔
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 15, 2024
Alyssa Healy falls one short of a Test century - as Tucker takes her first Test wicket! #PlayOfTheDay | @hcltech | #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/eBEinOAGr2
Australia are in command of the game but will be feeling decidedly flat after the late dismissal of Healy one shy of what would have been a memorable and hard fought maiden ton. Once the dust settles the Australian skipper’s innings will be appreciated for the showcase of poise and power that it was, though. Australia were reeling on 12-3 before Beth Mooney and Healy set about the South Africa attack to put the home side back on top. Mooney fell for a typically compact 78 but Annabel Sutherland will be there tomorrow for her side, unbeaten on a blisteringly assured 54.
Australia lead by 175 runs, the batters backing up the solid work done in the morning by a five-wicket haul-ing Darcie Brown. At just 20 years old, Brown led the charge with the ball as South Africa were bundled out for a lowly 76 and she led her teammates from the field with 5-21 in less than ten overs of zippy seam bowling.
