Markram shines but Australia strike back with late wickets

JOHANNESBURG: Opener Aiden Markram led the way with a career-best 152 as South Africa had the better of the opening day of the fourth Test against a much-changed Australia, reaching the close on 313 for six.

The tourists, reeling from their ball-tampering scandal and led by new captain Tim Paine, had to endure chants of “where is Warner?” and “where is your captain?” from sections of the 17,023 home support as a reminder of the bans handed to captain Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and Cameron Bancroft on Friday.

Needing a win to grab a share of the series, the tourists kept themselves in the game as the excellent Pat Cummins (3-53) claimed the wickets of Markram and home skipper Faf du Plessis first ball.

Debutant Chadd Sayers (2-64) removed AB de Villiers (69) with the new ball and two deliveries later had nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada caught without scoring.

Temba Bavuma (25) and Quinton de Kock (7) will resume on the second morning, looking for a sizeable total on a wicket already taking turn and showing widening cracks as they seek a first home series win over Australia in almost 50 years.

■ CHRISTCHURCH: BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme hauled New Zealand back into the second Test yesterday, cutting England’s advantage back to 115 runs with four wickets in hand at stumps on day two in Christchurch.

When bad light stopped play seven overs early, New Zealand had recovered from 36 for five to be 192 for six in reply to England’s 307.

Watling was on 77 after sharing a 142-run stand with de Grandhomme which was broken late in the day by England’s man of the moment Stuart Broad.

The 31-year-old Broad, who had de Grandhomme caught behind for 72, wound back the clock to finish the day with four for 38.

“It was probably the best rhythm I’ve felt for a couple of years running in today. I was rubbish in Australia,” he said.