Leading wicket-taker Duanne Olivier said bounce and swing were key factors as bowlers again dominated on the second day of the third and final Test between South Africa and Pakistan at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.
Photo: AFP South African bowler Duanne Olivier (L) celebrates with teammate during the second day of the third Cricket Test match between South Africa and Pakistan at Wanderers cricket stadium on January 12, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Olivier claimed five for 51, his third five-wicket haul of the series, as South Africa gained a first innings lead of 77.
But Pakistan’s bowlers hit back. South Africa were 135 for five in their second innings at the close, an overall lead of 212.
"The match is still on," said Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, although he admitted that his team would need to produce their best batting performance of the series in order to chase down whatever target they are set.
Players of both teams said after the first day that the pitch was better for batting than in the first two Tests – but 25 wickets have fallen in two days and the match appears to be hurtling towards another early conclusion.
"The Pakistan batsmen batted quite well and quickly," said Olivier. "If you get yourself in you will get rewarded with the bat but as a bowler I feel there is always something, especially with the bounce at the Wanderers."
Olivier, who has taken 21 wickets in five innings said swing was a factor for the first time in the series.
"The previous two Tests there wasn’t much swing. There’s quite a bit of swing at the Wanderers. There’s still enough assistance for the bowlers and both teams have bowled well.”
Olivier started the series as South Africa’s fifth-choice fast bowler but played in the first Test in Centurion because of injuries to Vernon Philander and Lungi Ngidi. He had match figures of 11 for 96, prompting South Africa to opt for a four-man pace attack when Philander returned for the second Test.
He had match figures of 11 for 96, prompting South Africa to opt for a four-man pace attack when Philander returned for the second Test.
