Zaahier Adams looks at five key moments during the first two Test matches which swung things in South Africa’s favour
End of David Warner’s first innings at the Waca
Dale Steyn only had a limited part to play in this series due to his shoulder injury, but it might have been the most significant for after he dismissed the Australian opener in Perth the South Africans have not taken their foot off the Aussies’ throat.
Temba’s moment of brilliance
Again it took something magical to send Australia’s vice-captain packing, but this time it came from the smallest man on the field Temba Bavuma. The run out was sensational and provided South Africa with a momentous lift in the field.
KG reverses at the Waca
The Aussies have moaned throughout about the amount of reverse-swing the South Africans were managing, but it was due to the immense skill of 21-year-old Kagiso Rabada and not any skulduggery.
Catching at the Bellerive
Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott were in supreme form with the ball on the first day in Hobart and were exploiting the seaming conditions to maximum effect. However, they could not have wrecked the Aussie top-order in the manner they did were it not for the brilliance of wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock and the slip cordon.
Impact players
If AB de Villiers and Steyn had been fit, the chances of JP Duminy and Abbott playing in this series would have been doubtful. But such was there determination to help their team succeed that they both made huge contributions.
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