Test match cricket got a burst of life for the southern summer, as 29,306 turned up for the biggest non-Ashes crowd at the Gabba. They were treated to a sizzling first day: Australia dismissed South Africa for 152 just before the tea break, slipped to 27 for three in reply, produced an astonishing counterattack from Travis Head and Steve Smith, then lost Smith and the nightwatchman, Scott Boland, to reach stumps at 145 for five.
It was another Brisbane special from Head, who followed his Ashes century a year ago with a carefree 78 not out from 77 balls in the final session. Smith had already begun positively, hitting his first ball through cover for four and producing some immaculate straight drives.
