David Warner looks to duck a first ball while South African fielder takes an outright screamer

David Warner’s slump in form has turned into a nightmare when Australia’s opener was removed for a first-ball golden duck in the first test against South Africa.

Desperate to score, they are averaging just 25.5 runs in their recently completed two Test series against the West Indies side and just 23 in nine Tests this year.

The clash between Warner and South Africa spearhead Kagiso Rabada had loomed as the highlight of the test, but the seaman made short work of Australia opener, who was caught in the short leg with a sharp catch by Khaya Zondo.

It was only the second golden duck Warner has fallen for in his career and the first in nine years.

“That little battle, four times Rabada has warners but it’s gone 166 runs from 143 balls, usually it’s entertaining, let’s go,” said former Australia wicketkeeper and commentator Adam Gilchrist as Rabada invaded.

The ball immediately bounced to an awkward length and caught Warner, who tried to defend it on the back foot only to splice it to the short leg where it was caught by Zondo in an extremely sharp try.

Warner is hit on the top of the racquet by a brutal short ball from Rabada, which made its way in the air and to the short-leg fielder

Khaya “the Flyer” Zondo stretches to roll the ball up and continue David Warner’s slump in form in 2022

“Uppish, oh he’s taken! First ball!’ said Gilchrist.

“It’s a golden duck for David Warner, make that five for Rabada, a wonderful catch close by.

‘Instant hit from South Africa, oh what a start.’

Fellow commentator Mark Waugh praised Zondo’s reflexes for reeling in the catch at full power.

“It would be exciting and it’s going to be a very, very interesting shot on this pitch,” he said.

“What a catch on the short leg, good short, David Warner just lost sight of the ball and put it high on the racquet but great short leg reflexes.

‘Zondo up close did a reflection catch, wow. What a start from South Africa, David Warner has gone first ball. 1/0 Australia.’

“This is just perfection from Kagiso Rabada,” Gilchrist added.

Warner trudges off the field after being sacked for only his second career golden duck and first since 2013

Commentator Isha Guya said the early wicket would fill the South Africans with faith after they were rolled on a green wicket for just 152 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

“It’s what everyone around the world has been looking for, this fight between Kagiso Rabada and David Warner,” she said.

“First ball and it’s a stunning catch. Excellent reflexes. South Africa will believe. All for 152 if they can get a few more wickets here they’ll back up with their speed attack.

‘And Kagiso Rabada delivers outstanding stuff.’

Rabada celebrates Warner’s huge wicket giving hope to the visitors after being rolled out for 152

While the ball and catch were top notch, Waugh added that Warner had let himself down by not watching the ball closely enough.

“I have no doubt about that, this pitch is going to be really tough in these two hours,” he said.

“David Warner just lost sight of the ball, didn’t he? He lost sight of it and paid the price with a great catch.

“Nothing got in the way of David Warner. He always makes mistakes and always gets paid the highest price.’

Warner comforts police officers ahead of the game as part of a tribute to Queensland police officers who were killed this week

Warner speaks to Mark Howard about the Sydney Thunder’s low score of 15 in the Big Bash League on the day of the first Test

Ironically, Warner’s failure comes after he was interviewed on the day of the Test by Mark Howard about the Sydney Thunder’s record surrender for just 15 runs in the previous night’s Big Bash League.

“I was stunned,” he said.

“I think I literally got up to go to the toilet and after the first over I came back and they had lost two more wickets in the over.

“Look, at the end of the day, these are the ones you don’t laugh at, but you just have to let it go.

“There’s no debriefing, it is what it is and you have to move on.

“But catching Rashid is a good plan [Khan] from the attack