Aust A bats thwart South African attack

2 Nov 2012, 7:07 pm   -   Source: AAP

Australia have taken day one honours in their tour match with South Africa at the SCG, finishing on 7-325 with Rob Quiney scoring 85.

Australia A managed a performance on Friday their Test counterparts would be satisfied with this summer, thwarting the much-hyped South African attack to finish at 7-325 in their tour match at the SCG.

Rob Quiney top-scored for the home side with 85 and was one half of a 122-run partnership with Steve Smith (67) which turned the momentum back towards Australia A after a torrid opening spearheaded by the world's No.1 fast bowler Dale Steyn.

Australia A were 3-44 well before lunch and looked to have fallen apart in the face of the much-vaunted pairing of Steyn and Vernon Philander.

But their efforts, as well as a 133-run stand between Glenn Maxwell (64) and Alex Doolan (76 not out), helped give the home side first-day honours.

Despite that, and this being their only practice match before next week's first Test at the Gabba, Quiney said there was little to worry about for the Proteas.

"I reckon making a judgement on them today wouldn't be fair," he said.

"I thought Steyn was swinging the ball early, (Vernon) Philander presented a great seam and nipped it around.

"I think it's like a progression. I'm sure they'll be ready come the Gabba Test."

Steyn remained the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3-43, while fringe Test bowler Rory Kleinveldt toiled hard for his 2-45 and perhaps spinner Imran Tahir deserved better than his figures of 2-114 suggest.

It was a forgettable day for third paceman Philander, the No.2 ranked bowler in Test cricket, who failed to take a wicket and finished with 0-76.

The numbers did not concern South African assistant coach Russell Domingo, who was pleased with the day's play.

"I think we're pretty happy with what's happened today," he said.

"We'd probably rather have a day like that than to bowl a team out for 80 or 150. We've had some good time in the field, everybody's bowled three or four spells. It's a very good day for us."

Quiney slapped 13 boundaries during the heat of the day to top-score on day one, and looked sharp but still felt he was no closer to a Test call-up.

"I'm sure the selectors are asking for big scores and to bat a long time ... particularly the top three or four," he said.

"I've made a 50 today and that's it. When you've got a little door opening to make some more runs you've really got to press a bit harder.

"....It was nice to get a 50 but very, very annoying to get out at 80-odd."

Steyn also produced the pick of the wickets, clean-bowling opener Liam Davis (10) with a gem of a delivery that pitched on middle and beat the bat before clipping off stump.

Phil Hughes (5) and captain Andrew McDonald (0) both went cheaply to poor shots.

Jacques Kallis, recovering from a chest infection, and Morne Morkel are being rested from an otherwise full-strength South African team, though Kallis came on as a replacement fielder late in the day.

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