Australia completed a six-wicket victory inside two days in the first Test against South Africa, with the Proteas crumbling on a green Gabba wicket.

As many as 19 wickets fell on Day 2, reflecting how difficult batters found the going out in the middle. There’s a possibility of questions to be raised regarding the pitch, where 15 wickets had tumbled on Day 1 of the Test.

Skittled out for 152 on Day 1, South Africa were routed for 99 shortly after tea on Sunday, leaving Australia with just 34 runs to get for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada claimed four quick wickets to reduce Australia to 24 for four in a bizarre finish, though Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green survived to complete the formalities for their team.

Strikingly, the highest score in Australia’s second innings of 35 for four was the 19 in the extras column, as Rabada and Anrich Nortje pushed too hard and sent balls flying over the wicketkeeper to the fence.

Australia captain Pat Cummins took 5 for 42 in South Africa’s second innings and seven wickets for the match, while Mitchell Starc celebrated his 300th Test wicket with a trademark inswinger that bowled Rassie van der Dussen before lunch.

Earlier, Travis Head, resuming on 78, fell eight short of a century but his swashbuckling 96-ball 92 certainly made a big difference in terms of the game’s outcome. Thanks to Head, Australia could manage 218 in their first innings, taking a lead of 66 that further added to the pressure on South Africa.

The visitors’ captain Dean Elgar made his feelings clear about the pitch. “It was challenging for the batters, no doubt, which is okay if it’s a good contest between the bat and ball.

“But obviously, on the flip side, I don’t see it as a fair contest,” the left-handed opener remarked.

Australia’s cricket pundits were scathing of the wicket, which quickened on Day 2 and became pock-marked with divots as the match wore on.

“There’s just been too much variation in favour of the bowlers,” former Australia captain Allan Border said, rating the pitch a “three out of 10”.

Brief scores: South Africa 152 & 99 (P. Cummins 5/42). Australia 218 & 35/4. Australia won by 6 wickets.

Written with Reuters inputs