Nothing could spoil South Africa’s mood after they reached a commanding 2-255 at stumps on day one of the first Test against Australia at the Gabba on Friday – or so they thought.
After enjoying the rub of the green to take a vice-like grip on the three-Test series opener, South Africa’s luck took a spectacular turn for the worse when classy batsman JP Duminy suffered a post-stumps training mishap and was taken to hospital with an injured left ankle.
Scans were to determine the extent of the injury but Duminy was writhing in pain and had to be helped off the field after slipping on the wet Gabba surface.
The 29-year-old had been running around with teammates after bad light forced an early end to the day’s play.
It potentially throws a spanner in the works for world No.1 South Africa who wanted to utilise Duminy’s offspin after cutting leggie Imran Tahir and opting for a four-pronged pace attack.
Until then all the luck had gone the Proteas’ way as Hashim Amla (90 not out) and Jacques Kallis (84 not out) took charge after both receiving lives.
Kallis began to trudge off when he top-edged a catch off fast bowler Peter Siddle (0-58) on 43, only to be called back when replays revealed a no-ball.
And Siddle was again left ruing his fortunes when he dropped a caught and bowled chance offered by Amla on 74.
Opener Alviro Petersen hoped South Africa enjoyed more good fortune when Duminy’s scan results arrived.
“We are not sure what is happening with JP. At the moment it is difficult to comment on – he could be fine,” he said.
Petersen played down the potential disruption to their bowling stocks and showed faith in their pace attack featuring Test debutant Rory Kleinveldt.
“We are pretty comfortable with our bowling attack,” he said.
While Australia opted for three quicks and spinner Nathan Lyon – who nabbed Petersen for 64 on Friday – the Proteas surprised by ditching Tahir.
“We thought Rory could offer some more on that wicket. It wasn’t as hard as we thought it could be and it probably lessens the load on (allrounder) Jacques Kallis.
“We thought Australia’s got enough left-handers for JP to play a role with the ball if needed.”
Petersen put on a brave face when reminded of the lazy loft to mid-on that ended his promising innings and a 90-run second-wicket stand with Amla.
“I would probably play that shot again but maybe next time I would be more decisive by hitting it into the stands,” he said.
The prolific Amla passed 5,000 Test runs during his 205-ball, five-hour knock featuring six fours and a six, ensuring he averages 50.55 in his 64th Test.
He found a perfect foil in Kallis who thumped eight fours and a six in his 136-ball, three-hour effort.
They have put on 136 runs for the third wicket.