South Africa battled through an uncomfortable day at the Gabba in Brisbane to reach 166 for five and earn a draw in the first cricket test against Australia, who declared on 565-5 halfway through Tuesday’s first session to try to force a result.
Australia captain Michael Clarke, who made 259 not out, declared with a first innings lead of 115 over South Africa’s 450, but his bowlers were unable to claim enough wickets to force a result in a test which lost a whole day to rain.
Jacques Rudolph (11) was adjudged lbw to spinner Nathan Lyon despite a television review to give Australia a late glimmer of hope but A.B. de Villiers (29) and Vernon Philander (one) ushered the tourists to the close of play.
“It was unfortunate not to get a result,” said Clarke, who was named man of the match for his record innings. “But I think we fought hard with both bat and ball after the first day.”
James Pattinson, the pick of Australia’s bowlers, had given the hosts an early breakthrough by having opener Alviro Petersen caught behind by wicketkeeper Matthew Wade for five to leave South Africa on 6-1.
The 22-year-old seamer also bowled Hashim Amla for seven before lunch but the world’s No 1 batsman was brought back to the crease for a no ball, the fourth wicket to be saved by the same infraction in the match.