1st ODI: Australia crumble to 152-all out in Perth

Australia crumbled against the seam attack of South Africa in the first ODI at the Perth Stadium on Sunday.

South Africa cricket team — Andile Phehlukwayo (c) finished with figures of 3/33 (Getty Images)

Australia crumbled against the seam attack of South Africa in the first ODI at the Perth Stadium on Sunday. Thanks to late blows from Nathan Coulter-Nile, the hosts managed 152 in 38.1 overs.

Faf du Plessis won a good toss and put Australia in to bat. Dale Steyn continued an impressive return to ODI cricket with a deadly opening spell which saw him knocking down opener Travis Head (1) and Darcy Short (0) in the space of three deliveries.

Short was caught brilliantly at the second slip by a diving Du Plessis. He was a late inclusion in the playing XI after Shaun Marsh was ruled out due to a bizarre injury.

Steyn’s new-ball partner Lungi Ngidi then pinned captain Aaron Finch in front for 5 to leave Australia 8/3 inside six overs.

Chris Lynn and Alex Carey then attempted a resurrection. Lynn struck Australian innings first boundary, off the last delivery of 12th over. Andile Phehlukwayo then took over as he ran through their middle-order. Lynn was out caught-behind for 15, Glenn Maxwell struck two fours before being caught on 11 and Marcus Stoinis fell for 14 as Phehlukwayo finished with 3/33 from six overs.

Carey dropped anchor with South Africa seamers all over Australia. He consumed 71 deliveries for his 34 before legspinner Imran Tahir ended his resistance. If it wasn’t for some late blows from Nathan-Coulter Nile, Australia would have been bowled out for a much lower total. He struck five fours and innings’ only six to take them past the 150-run mark before becoming the last batsman to fall. Steyn, Nugidi and Tahir took two wickets each with Kagiso Rabada remaining wicketless.