Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey played a counter-attacking knock for Australia on Day 2 of the Test match against South Africa. Coming in when Australia were in trouble, Carey scored an important 43 runs off just 50 balls, including five boundaries. His fluent innings came at a crucial time, with Australia struggling at 73/7 and in danger of being bowled out cheaply in their second innings.
Carey absorbed the pressure brilliantly and took on the bowlers, stepping up when Australia needed someone to build on their lead. His efforts helped push the total to 144/8 in just 40 overs, giving them a healthy lead of 218 runs. The innings from Australia’s number 7 not only added valuable runs but also ensured South Africa couldn’t wrap up the innings before the close of play.
Other Australian batters found it difficult to score big. Marnus Labuschagne made 22, Steven Smith—the top scorer in the first innings—was dismissed for 13, and Usman Khawaja fell for 6. Travis Head and Beau Webster contributed nine runs each, while captain Pat Cummins managed 6. Mitchell Starc remained unbeaten on 16, and Nathan Lyon was not out on 1 at stumps. Carey forged a crucial 61-run stand with Starc, with the left-hander contributing 41 off 46 balls.
Hero of the Proteas’ first innings, Kagiso Rabada, was among the wickets again, finishing the day with figures of 3 for 44 in 11 overs. He was well supported by Lungi Ngidi, who also claimed 3 wickets for 35 runs. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder picked up one wicket each, keeping constant pressure on the Australian batters. However, Carey’s aggressive yet measured approach shifted the momentum back in Australia’s favour.
The defending champions still have two wickets in hand and take a 218-run lead into Day 3.
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