‘Australia lost two wickets too many’ – Warner

David Warner has praised South Africa’s bowlers on a slow deck on day one of the first Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead, Durban.

“Probably two wickets down too many,” was Warner’s verdict, as his side finished the day on 225/5 when bad light brought an early halt to proceedings.

“[South Africa] bowled well and dried up the runs. Early on with the new ball, it didn't do much sideways at all. Reverse-swing started going after 25 overs, which is amazing for day one of a Test match. Stats suggest 280-290 is a par score here.”

The opening batsman reaped the rewards of his hard work behind the scenes as he posted 51, but was frustrated that the top-order have “left the duties up to the middle order”, with Steve Smith (56) and Shaun Marsh (40) also failing to convert solid starts.

“I did a bit of work with Ricky [Ponting, in New Zealand],” said Warner. “He gave me a few things to work on. I had a longer hit yesterday in practice – I had to do that to make sure I was right mentally and physically. I felt good out there.”

Keshav Maharaj (2/69) was South Africa’s most successful bowler on day one, rattling through 24 overs and claiming the key scalp of Smith, but the left-arm spinner was quick to praise his side’s pace battery on a deck that offered little pace.

“One of our key strengths has been reverse-swing,” he said. “It’s important not to go searching for wickets. We did it really well after the first session today – there’s not much pace to work with. The spell from KG [Kagiso Rabada] and Vern [Philander] after lunch set the tone.”

“Our batters have assessed how the Aussies have batted. It's a patience game out there. The longer you bat, the easier it will become.”

Warner, however, believes Australia’s off-spinner, Nathan Lyon, could take advantage of some emerging foot-holes in the next innings. “It might turn more tomorrow,” he added. “The surface isn't crumbling as much as we initially thought.”