Last Updated on 35 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey

Australia came into day two of the Cape Town Test needing a big performance with the bat after a horror show last week in Gqeberha. The series decider arguably rested on Australia’s first innings performance after bowling South Africa out for 329 on an action-packed first day.

Day two wasn’t as frenetic, and that suited Australia perfectly. In somewhat of a rare sight these days, Pat Cummins’ team embarked on a solid day of Test match batting, employing solid defence and then keeping the scoreboard ticking as partnerships developed.

Both the Matt Renshaw/Cameron Green and Josh Inglis/Alex Carey partnerships started on the slower side at crucial junctures. Both pairs were willing to bide their time early and get set, earning the right to up the ante as the South African attack tired.

It was a sound tactic given Renshaw and Green came together at 58/2. Later, Inglis and Carey both started on naught together after Marco Jansen took quick wickets to leave Australia precariously placed at 185/4.

Josh Inglis produces excellent performance on his return to the Australia Test team in Cape Town

Josh Inglis may not have played this Test had Steve Smith not ruled himself out with a neck injury. Australia’s new number five took to the role like a duck to water, scoring an unbeaten 85 off 111 balls in an innings laced with glorious footwork. Inglis was particularly effective against Simon Harmer, scoring 30 off 40 balls against the offspinner.

The only major hiccup was a terrible mix up soon after tea where Carey was sold down the river. Fortunately for Australia, Marques Ackerman missed the stumps.

Inglis was one of four half-centurious for Australia on Wednesday. Renshaw (74), Green (65) and Carey (51*) all hit half-centuries of their own to set up a strong response. Carey’s knock is a welcome one given his own lack of form recently, and is building on his promising showing from the second innings in Gqeberha.

In the process, Australia bucked the recent trend of no two batters hitting a 50+ score in the same innings in the previous seven attempts.

“We’ve sort of hinted at some partnerships over the first two Tests – probably more so with the bowlers – so it was just about the batters trying to build some partnerships out there,” said Matt Renshaw, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“Fortunately we had a couple of good ones. I think we all know our jobs. Steve’s [Smith] obviously a massive loss for that batting group, but the guys coming in – Cam’s got a really good record, Josh obviously has already got a Test hundred, he hopefully gets another one tomorrow. 

“So, no, there wasn’t any discussions (about batting without Smith). It was more just how could we stick to our tempo, stick to our plans.”

Crucially, Inglis and Carey were set when South Africa took the second new ball. With sunshine still filling the glorious Newlands outfield, the Proteas weren’t able to generate the same movement Mitchell Starc did the previous evening.

The duo batted through to stumps and put Australia one run ahead with six wickets in hand. On what looks to still be a good batting pitch, the Australians can eye a solid lead as the begin day three on 330/4.