The Australian team didn't get off to a great start in the second Test against the South Africans as the hosts were bundled out for just 85 in their first innings. The Proteas continued their domination as they went on to post 326 thereby taking a first innings lead of 241 runs. The Aussies' misery continued in the second innings as well as they lost Joe Burns in the very first over. Things could have been worse for them had it not been for Dean Elgar's bizarre skills of "evading a catch" in the slip cordon during the 13th over.
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Having struck right in the first over, Kyle Abbott was charging in to take another wicket and put the Aussies on the back foot. It was the 13th over when Abbott bowled a back of a length ball to David Warner, who got greedy with the width offered and flashed hard at it. However, he got a thick edge and the ball flew towards Elgar who was stationed at third slip.
The chance, which seemed like a regulation one, was completely misjudged by Dean Elgar. This could have been a big opportunity at third slip but Elgar didn't pick it up at all. Instead of standing to his full height, and even hopping a bit for the grab, Elgar decided to duck, swerve and avoid. He got a few bemused looks from the rest of his teammates and rightly so for it seemed like more than just a half-chance. He could have easily grabbed it had he been a bit more alert.
Here is the video of the missed opportunity posted by cricket.com.au on their Facebook page.
The commentators, just like the spectators could hardly believe what had happened and were desperate for a replay. Shane Warne, who is with the Channel 9 commentary team, went on air saying, "What are you doing, mate?"
The dismissal could have put South Africa in an even better situation as Warner was batting on just 28 and the Australians were already a wicket down with 47 runs on the board. The left-hander has been the key man for Australia over the last few series and hence seeing his back early would have made a lot of difference. The struggling Aussie middle-order, which has already shown signs of inexperience, could have been exposed once again by the South African bowlers.
Also read: Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test, day 1- Stats: Australia surrender to Philander's magic
However, the Proteas didn't have to wait too long as Abbott bowled Warner in the 23rd over, much to the relief of Dean Elgar. The dashing opener could not make the most of his luck as he could score only 45 runs. The Aussies ended the third day's play at 121 for the loss of two wickets trailing the South Africans by 120 runs.
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