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Centurion: David Warner and Alex Doolan built on Australia's sizeable advantage after Mitchell Johnson destroyed South Africa's first innings on the third day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Friday.
As was the case so often during the Ashes, it was Mitchell Johnson’s unfriendly, unplayable bowling and David Warner’s belligerent batting that initially prised apart South Africa’s grip on the first Test, and then snatched it brutally from their grasp.
But it wasn’t only the Ashes heroes who lifted them to a lead of 479 runs with seven wickets in hand and two days to play, a position from which only the Highveld’s notoriously cranky late summer weather or an act of unprecedented batting brilliance can prevent the Australians completing a rare and memorable contemporary away-from-home Test win.
Alex Doolan carried the look of a poised, polished veteran in just his second Test innings and was on track to become the 15th Australian to score a century on debut until – on 89 – he feathered a late cut shot from part-time spinner JP Duminy near day’s end.
The knowledge he had shown more than enough mettle and maturity against quality bowling in difficult conditions to stake a genuine claim for the No.3 batting berth provided no solace as Doolan trailed dejectedly from the ground, realising he might never see a better chance to complete a Test century.
However, he is set to join an equally meritorious collective of debutants who celebrated a Test win in their first outing in the Baggy Green, and pose a problem for selectors should Shane Watson make himself available for the second Test in Port Elizabeth next week.
Johnson continued his devastating form of the recent Ashes series against England - and his superb opening spell on the second day - and finished with seven for 68 as South Africa were bowled out for 206 in reply to Australia's 397.
AB de Villiers made a sparkling 91 for South Africa before he was ninth man out.
The left-handed Warner was dropped three times but played some thrilling attacking strokes as he and new cap Doolan added an unbeaten 146 for the second wicket after Chris Rogers was bowled by Dale Steyn in the second over of the Australian second innings.
Warner's first chance came on 26 when he hooked Vernon Philander to fine leg where substitute Dean Elgar dived but could not hold the ball.
He edged the next ball he faced, from Morne Morkel, high to second slip where a leaping Alviro Petersen could only get his fingertips to it. And, on 51, he was dropped in similar fashion by Graeme Smith at first slip when he slashed at Ryan McLaren.
Warner had faced 115 balls by tea, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. Doolan was more circumspect and faced 85 balls, hitting seven fours. Johnson struck with his fourth ball of the day when Robin Peterson fended a sharply lifting delivery to Michael Clarke moving to his left from second slip.
Vernon Philander played a dogged innings of 15 before he was leg before wicket to off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Umpire Richard Illingworth gave Philander not out but the Australians successfully sought a review which showed the ball was hitting the stumps.
De Villiers was the only batsman to play Johnson with any comfort and he slammed the big left-arm fast bowler through the covers for four as he sought quick runs before the innings ended.
But he lofted the next ball to mid-off to end a 148-ball innings which included 10 fours and two sixes.
Brief scores
Australia 397 and 288 for 3 (Warner 115, Doolan 89)
South Africa 206 (de Villiers 91, Johnson 7-68)
Status Australia lead by 479 runs
