Aussies rally late on opening day

CRICKET

AUSTRALIA’S new-look team rallied late on the opening day of the fourth Test against South Africa, as they returned to the field for the first time since the ball-tampering scandal.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine was captain in Johannesburg, as he had been for the final day in Cape Town, as the tourists looked to move on at the Wanderers.

Peter Handscomb, Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns came into the side, replacing former skipper Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, who are all starting bans handed out by Cricket Australia.

Coach Darren Lehmann, who fought back tears on Thursday as he announced he would resign after the conclusion of the series, drafted in Chadd Sayers for a Test debut in place of injured paceman Mitchell Starc, out with a stress fracture in his leg.

South Africa, who lead 2-1, made an impressive start after winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow pitch. Australia fought back during the extended closing session with some late wickets – including that of Proteas captain Faf du Plessis for a golden duck and AB de Villiers out for a battling 68 – to earn a much-needed uplift in confidence as the hosts finished 313 for six.

BASKETBALL

FR Mathews of Cork hope to claim their third piece of silverware of the season today as they travel to Belfast for the Woman’s Championship Trophy final in what is the final game in the National League season.

In their way are Ulster University Elks who are competing in their first final at this level.