The Proteas suffered another top-order collapse which saw them bowled out for 189 on Day 1 of the second Test at the MCG.

It was another batting collapse from the Proteas’ top order, on an MCG pitch that has similar characteristics to the previous pitch at the Gabba. 

Marco Jansen and Kyle Verreynne’s half-centuries dragged the Proteas from 67-5 to 179-6.

Although there was some tricky movement off the pitch and seam, it was the failure to apply themselves that was their downfall. To remove the sugar coating, it was poor batting throughout the top order.

Dean Elgar’s 26 kept us hopeful that he’d end his century drought, but it was yet another batting collapse that was on the menu instead. The visitors lost wickets in clusters.

It took Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen to keep the contest alive, with both players showing a fighting spirit.

The Pair put on SA’s third 100-plus partnership of the calendar year – 112 off 219 balls.

Both batters played some excellent shots – reverse sweeps, sweeps and straight or square drives which were some of the strokes that would definitely make the highlights package.

Cameron Green was pivotal in stamping the Aussies’ dominance. He took 3 wickets in 7 deliveries to remove both dangermen and Kagiso Rabada. Maharaj did not last long either, as they were reduced to 186-9.

Green then completed his five-for (5-27) with the wicket of Lungi Ngidi to skittle SA for 189.

Rabada managed to strike early to remove Usman Khawaja, but the prize wicket would be David Warner in his 100th Test.

Australia ended the day on 42-1.