Australia combined aggression and courage to seize control of the third and decisive test against South Africa at Newlands on Saturday as it closed day one on 331-3.
While David Warner attacked with a brisk 135, Michael Clarke withstood a brutal spell of fast bowling from Morne Morkel. The Australian captain went to stumps with bruises on his hand, elbow, shoulder and midriff, but also with 92 to his name after a battling return to form.
Steve Smith was also not out at the close after scoring a breezy 50 in an unbroken 114-run stand with Clarke that left South Africa facing a long road back into the match.
Earlier, Warner’s scored his seventh test century after Australia had won the toss and decided to bat in sunny conditions.
South Africa failed to create an opportunity against the controversial left-hander on a flat pitch that offered little to the bowlers.
The hosts were also unable to remove Michael Clarke with a sustained bombardment of short-pitched bowling.
Clarke was hit on the elbow, shoulder and jaw during a brutal spell of fast bowling from around the wicket by Morne Morkel. The Australian captain’s refusal to budge showed the importance that this series, which is locked at 1-1, holds for both sides.
South Africa managed just one wicket in first two sessions with Dale Steyn having Chris Rogers caught at slip for 25, and Alex Doolan falling to Vernon Philander after lunch for 20.
Breif Scores
Australia: 331-3 in 88 overs (David Warner 135, Michael Clarke 92 not out, Steve Smith 50 not out) against South Africa.