Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Dossier counts for nothing as South Africa take initiative in first Test

Updated at 10:13 am on 10 November 2012

A leaked dossier reveals Australia had plenty of plans for South Africa in their first encounter but Test cricket's number one side showed strategy sometimes counts for little, when they reached a commanding 255 for two on day one yesterday.

The Proteas took a vice-like grip on the three-Test series opener after Australia let their chances slip, offering lives to both Hashim Amla (90 not out) and Jacques Kallis (84 not out) in their unbroken 136-run stand.

The now infamous dossier claimed Australia would launch a "psychological war" on Amla but Amla did all the talking with his bat after coming to the crease with South Africa at 29 for 1.

Australia initially followed their well-published blueprint to the letter when fiery quick James Pattinson had the captain Graeme Smith out for 10 before their best-laid plans went awry.

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