AUS vs SA

Over-by-over report: The Boxing Day Test gets under way at the MCG. Join our writers for updates from Melbourne.

40th over: South Africa 96-5 (Verreynne 19, Jansen 11) Another over, another Verreynne single, however the incident of note was when the batter fell across to the offside and missed a straight delivery from Green that generated a hearty appeal for LBW that was turned down by Pistol Paul Reiffel. 50th over: South Africa 138-5 (Verreynne 39, Jansen 33) Seven from the over as the Proteas nudge Lyon around the MCG. 56th over: South Africa 154-5 (Verreynne 43, Jansen 45) Australia now have two men out for the sweep so Jansen only earns a single for his efforts. As the clock ticks over to 3:50 (Shane Warne’s cap number) the 60,000 or so inside the MCG stand to applaud and break out a rendition of “Waaaarrrrrrnnnniiiieeeeee”. 57th over: South Africa 159-5 (Verreynne 46, Jansen 46) Boland is instructed to bowl a tighter line, and is handed a field accordingly. 62nd over: South Africa 175-5 (Verreynne 50, Jansen 58) Jansen plays Lyon away for the second maiden in a row. The bowler ramps up the pressure with a teasing line and length, prompting Jansen to advance and chip the ball in the direction of Starc at long-on – who CAN’T HOLD ON to a Glenn-McGrath-at-Adelaide style catch away to his left. Not only that, but Starc immediately called for the trainer and left the field with apparent damage to the index finger of his bowling hand. 61st over: South Africa 175-5 (Verreynne 50, Jansen 58) Cummins needs a spark of inspiration and he turns to Cameron Green to locate it. The big young (rich) allrounder raises the ball to the crowd after bowling full and straight and castling South Africa’s No 11. 7th over: Australia 21-1 (Warner 20, Labuschagne 0) South Africa needed that breakthrough after a poor start with the new ball. Warner then enjoys a slice of luck, failing to leave securely and the ball deflecting off his raised blade – but away to safety.