Fit Mitchell Starc scalps four as Australia take control vs South Africa on Day 1

A failed decision review capped a miserable day for South Africa on the opening day of their first Test against Australia in Perth yesterday

Mitchell Starc

Perth: A failed decision review capped a miserable day for South Africa on the opening day of their first Test against Australia in Perth yesterday.

After fast bowler Mitchell Starc returned in style with four wickets to help Australia dismiss South Africa for 242, the visitors were denied the crucial wicket of David Warner in bizarre circumstances late in the day.

Seamer Vernon Philander believed he had trapped Warner LBW for 17 with the Australian total on just 19, but umpire Aleem Dar dismissed the appeal. The South Africans called for a review, only for replays to show it was a front foot no-ball by Philander.

Their frustration was exacerbated when further replays revealed it would have been out had Philander not overstepped. At stumps Australia were 105-0. Returning from a leg injury, Starc (4-71) and Josh Hazlewood (3-70), struck early to reduce the Proteas to 32-4.

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