Proteas must do the talking on the field

The last thing a Test series between South Africa and Australia needs is extra spice.

The rivalry on the cricket field between the two nations is intense, with today’s second of four Tests in Port Elizabeth the 96th occasion they will face each other in Tests.

Since the first Test in Durban, which ended in a 118-run victory for the visitors this week, the ugly spat between Australian vice-captain David Warner and Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has hogged the limelight.

Warner is now just one demerit point away from being suspended after being found guilty and fined 75% of his match fee, while De Kock was fined 25% of his match fee and handed one demerit point.

Australian skipper Steve Smith insists they have ruled a line under the “stairway saga”, while Proteas coach Ottis Gibson says match officials should be policing what happens before it gets out of control.

The crowd will surely get involved today.

There’s plenty at stake heading into the St George’s Park Test. South Africa, who won there in 2014 when the teams last met in a Test in Port Elizabeth, were outplayed in the first Test. Spells from Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who picked up nine wickets in the match, to the tail during both innings was the difference between the two teams.

But South Africa’s paltry 162 in the first innings was always going to land them in trouble and despite a valiant hundred from opener Aiden Markram and a fighting half-century from De Kock – who ironically made his Test debut at the ground in that 2014 triumph against Australia – they were always on the back foot.

But the best way to keep everyone quiet is to do your talking on the field. If South Africa produce with both bat and ball, starting from today, there won’t be a need for sledging or any sideshows.

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