The big story: South Africa roar back on Day 2

The day started with the Australians in complete command of proceedings and were poised to take a big first-innings lead in Perth. Australia collapsed yet again, reminiscent of their poor displays with the bat against Sri Lanka in August. From 158/0, they slumped to 244 all-out. Despite Dale Steyn walking off the field after suffering a shoulder injury, the South African bowling lineup, led by Vernon Philander, got regular breakthroughs.

Debutant Keshav Mahraraj was excellent on his debut and Kagiso Rabada bowled with plenty of heart to effect regular breakthroughs. In reply, the Proteas were in a bit of a bother at 41/2 but recovered well through the steady batting of Dean Elgar and JP Duminy.

Other top stories

  1. Dale Steyn injured his shoulder while completing his delivery stride to leave his team one bowler short in the first Test against Australia. The South Africa pace ace was ruled out of the tournament. 
  2. Rohit Sharma will be out of the One-Day Internationals and the Twenty20 Internationals against England too, and could also miss out on the one-off Test against Bangladesh in February. The Indian batsman will be travelling to London for surgery.
  3. England have been asked to take care of their own expenses for the India. The BCCI wrote to the England and Wales Cricket board that they would not be able to get into a Memorandum of Understanding as they would not be allowed to enter into contracts without the direction of the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha committee.
  4. The Lodha committee lambasted the BCCI about the cloud hanging over the India-England series and revealed that board president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke have flouted the Supreme Court's order and not filed the compliance report.
  5. Both matches on the opening day of the Bangladesh Premier League – Rajsahi Kings vs Comilla Victorians and Khulna Titans vs Rangpur Riders – were washed out because of rain in Mirpur. There is rain forecast for Saturday as well.