Darcie Brown, who took 5 wickets for 21 runs, anticipated an 'interesting' day two on the bowler-friendly wicket in Australia.
Despite the absence of superstar Marizanne Kapp, South Africa remained confident and focused, according to debutant quick Masabata Klaas. The tourists had a difficult start to their first Test against Australia at the WACA.
Kapp's illness had dashed South Africa's hopes of a major upset. Although Kapp had missed training before the match, she was expected to play. The South African team had hoped that she would recover in time for the match, but unfortunately, she did not feel well enough to play. Klaas informed reporters after day one of the Test that they only found out she would not be playing when they had to take the field.
South Africa's batting struggled against the sustained pressure from Australia's quicks, who bowled a disciplined line outside off stump, resulting in batters perishing to lose shots. South Africa lost eight wickets in a humiliating first session, resulting in their lowest-ever Test score of just 76 runs in an innings that lasted 31.2 overs.
When asked if Kapp's absence had rattled the team, Klaas denied it, stating that they have a strong batting line-up and are confident enough.
Although it was a challenging day for South Africa, Klaas shone on her debut by quickly dismissing Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Tahlia McGrath, which earned her praise from Kapp. Kapp also expressed her regret on social media that South Africa did not select young quick Eliz-mari Marx.
Following the success of Australia's quicks, Klaas continued her strong form from the white-ball series, where South Africa achieved historic first victories over Australia in the T20I and ODI formats.
Klaas observed the Australian bowlers and identified an opportunity on the pitch. She approached the game with a positive mindset, focusing on hitting her line and lengths, which proved successful.
Despite Klaas' heroics, South Africa began to struggle in the oppressive conditions towards the end of the day's play. There was a glimmer of hope for a South African comeback with the late dismissals of Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy, who both fell for 99 in the penultimate over before stumps.
On a bowler-friendly wicket, anything can happen
With a lead of 175 runs and five wickets in hand, Australia is in firm control of the match. There is a possibility that the match may end in just two days, which would be an anti-climax after the absorbing white-ball series.
Darcie Brown took 5 for 21 and said:
"It's a bowler-friendly wicket, so anything can happen."
Brown achieved her first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, with her fiery bowling perfectly suited to the green-tinged surface at the WACA. Her delivery was supported by a packed slips cordon, evoking memories of the ground's legendary status.
Brown expressed her excitement at the seven-two field, with only two players on the leg side, saying 'This is so cool'.