![Matthew Breetzke batting vs Mitchell Starc [Source: Fancode/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793372440796_MatthewBreetzkevsAUS.jpg?type=hq)
Matthew Breetzke batting vs Mitchell Starc [Source: Fancode/X.com]
Matthew Breetzke made his first mark in Test cricket in the second innings of the Newlands Test against Australia, as South Africa eyes to clinch the series, having previously gone down 0-1. Breetzke replaced Tristan Stubbs but failed to make a decisive contribution in his first two innings of the series.
In the second innings of the series-decider, Breetzke troubled the Aussie bowlers with a long stay at the crease and was also seen mocking Mitchell Starc.
Watch- Breetzke teases Starc
The incident happened early early in Breetzke's innings as he looked to build a partnership with Ryan Rickelton after losing Temba Bavuma late on Day 3.
While batting at 23* off 76, tn the 54th over of the South African innings, Starc came from around the wicket and bowled a bouncer to Breetzke at 52.5 that the batter comfortably let go. As the batter and bowler made an eye contact, Breetzke — still on his haunches after ducking — mocked Starc by showing his tongue.
After standing up, he mocked the bowler again, as the left-arm quick walked back with a smile on his face. The video quickly went viral as Breetzke batted for around another 50 balls.
See the incident below:
Breetzke helps Proteas have a grip on the Test
Matthew Breetzke came into the South African middle-order that needed some reliable partners for Temba Bavuma, after Tristan Stubbs' and Kyle Verreynne's returns diminised in recent times. Despite having only played 2 Tests before this series, Breetzke joined the team in some good form after a century in the ODIs.
While he was expected to replicate the ODI form in Test cricket, he only scored 4 and 2 in the first two innings. However, as Australia took a 100-run lead in the final Test, Breetzke showed some class and built two decent partnerships with Bavuma and Rickelton, adding 36(105) and 50(126) for 4th and 5th wicket.
Although he got out to a loose shot after scoring 43 off 121, he helped South Africa extend the lead before Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder took over the job. As things stand, South Africa have a 247-run lead with 2 wickets still in hand, as the match inches closer to stumps on Day 4.
