While an opener's average of 49 remains high by modern standards, the detailed breakdown shows a stark contrast across innings at 23 in the first innings, 43 in the second, 71 in the third, and 60 in the fourth. Australia reached 185 for four while still trailing South Africa by 144 runs, requiring further progress after losing their set pair just before tea.
Just before the tea interval, the team's set pair had been removed after scoring 74 and 65 runs respectively.
Australia added 85 before the stand ended, including an explosive over when Green hooked the returning Rabada’s bouncer barrage, with some risk, for a consecutive six, six, and four.
It’s clear at a glance, given an opener’s average of 49 is titanic by modern standards, but the detail is stark: that average breaks down to 23 in the first innings of a match, 43 in the second, 71 in the third, and 60 in the fourth.
Twice, South Africa produced double strikes to stall promising Australian positions; twice the Australians rebuilt.
Still trailing South Africa by 144, at 185 for four, more was needed.
Just before tea, Australia’s set pair had been removed for 74 and 65.