The contest is an essential one in the context of the World Test Championship final race.

While Pakistan are out of contention, one victory across the two-Test series would see the Proteas guarantee qualification for the WTC final for the first time.

On a spicy pitch that showed signs of uneven bounce, South Africa started the day well reducing the visitors to 56-4 with debutant Corbin Bosch striking with his first delivery in Test cricket.

Pakistan recuperated well, though. Kamran Ghulam, playing in his first overseas Test, put on 81 for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Rizwan. Ghulam scored briskly, registering eight fours and a six in his 71-ball 54.

Ghulam and Rizwan both fell in quick succession off the bowling of Dane Paterson, who ended up with his second five-for in as many Tests.

Salman Ali Agha and Aamer Jamal briefly rallied before Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 211 – a more than competitive first innings total on this particular Centurion surface.

Tensions peaked during Ghulam’s stay at the crease. The exact tipping point for the altercation is unclear but TV images and the stump mic both picked up Ghulam first swearing at Kagiso Rabada and then at South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. At one point Verreynne asks Ghulam, ‘What did you say?’ to which Ghulam twice repeats the swear word he initially directed at Rabada.

On commentary, former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock suggested that both sets of players had lost their cool. “I think they’re losing the plot out there,” he said on air. You can watch the incident here (viewer discretion advised).

The incident is almost certainly set to be investigated by the match referee Richie Richardson. It’s been a busy day for officials in the Test game. Earlier in the day in Melbourne, Virat Kohli was fined, but escaped a suspension, for a collision with debutant Sam Konstas. Kohli was fined on the day of the offence and accepted the charge.

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