INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Half-centuries by Stiaan van Zyl and Dean Elgar, coupled with a far more disciplined bowling performance ensured that South Africa A enjoyed a far better second day of the first four-day test against Australia A in Brisbane on Sunday.
The tourists reached stumps at the halfway stage of the contest on 181/4 at the Allan Border Field as they replied to the home side's 396 all out - a deficit of 215.
Van Zyl, batting at No 4, was unbeaten on 80 (120 balls, 12 fours), with opener Elgar having struck 56 (135 balls, 7 fours).
Earlier it was the bowlers that helped South Africa roar back into the contest. Having allowed the opposition top five to get away with scoring 302 on the opening day, they were less generous with the bottom five removing them for the addition of just 94.
Vernon Philander ended as the pick of the bowlers with 3/52, including the key early breakthrough of top-scorer Marcus Stoinis for 120 (170 balls,18 fours,1 six), an addition of just two his overnight score.
Joe Mennie also struck 50 (88 balls, 6 fours), but Duanne Olivier (2/73), Dane Piedt (2/76) and Sisanda Magala (2/106) all picked up wickets on day two to bowl out Australia out in 119.5 overs.
The reply started poorly for South Africa as captain Stephen Cook (5) and Omphile Ramela (4) both fell cheaply. Van Zyl and Elgar rebuilt well with a 114-run third-wicket stand, but the loss of the latter and Temba Bavuma (21) with what proved to be the final ball of the day was a late set-back.
Chris Tremain was the pick of the bowlers with 3/51.
The reply started poorly for South Africa as captain Stephen Cook (5) and Omphile Ramela (4) both fell cheaply. Van Zyl and Elgar rebuilt well with a 114-run third-wicket stand, but the loss of the latter and Temba Bavuma (21) with what proved to be the final ball of the day was a late set-back.
Chris Tremain was the pick of the bowlers with 3/51.
