In April 2016, Cricket Australia (CA) suggested that the third Test at the Adelaide Oval could be played as a day/night match, but there was some reluctance from the South African cricketers.[5][6] In June, CA confirmed that the Adelaide Test would be played as a day/night game.[7] Prior to the series, both teams played practice day/night matches.[8]
South Africa played 2 two-day day/night warm-up fixtures at the Adelaide Oval and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in preparation for the day-night Test match.[9]
Following the conclusion of the second Test, footage emerged of South Africa's captain Faf du Plessis apparently shining the ball using a sweet in his mouth.[10] He was charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for ball tampering and pled not-guilty.[11][12]Hashim Amla said that the situation was "ridiculous" and "a joke".[13] It was suggested that a hearing would take place after the conclusion of the third Test, as Cricket South Africa (CSA) had engaged legal representation for du Plessis.[14] However, on 22 November, du Plessis was found guilty of ball tampering, fined his match fee from the Hobart Test, but was allowed to play in the Adelaide Test.[15] After du Plessis was found guilty he said he disagreed with the verdict stating "I felt like I have done nothing wrong".[16] Du Plessis appealed the charge,[17] but that was rejected on 21 December 2016.[18] The initial penalties of losing his match fee and getting three demerit points stood, but he was not punished with a one-match ban.[18]
Dale Steyn suffered a shoulder injury during the first Test and was ruled out of the rest of the series.[21]Dwaine Pretorius was added to South Africa's squad to replace Steyn.[22]Joe Burns and Callum Ferguson were added to Australia's squad for the second Test, while Shaun Marsh was ruled out with a broken finger.[23]Peter Siddle was ruled out due to a back injury and Jackson Bird was added to Australia's team as cover for him.[24]
Australia's collapse of 10/86 was their worst collapse after having an opening stand of 150 or more, and third worst by any team in Tests.[26]
Dean Elgar and Jean-Paul Duminy's partnership of 250 is South Africa's highest partnership in Perth, the third highest overall in Perth, and their second highest against Australia.[27]
This was Australia's first loss in the opening Test of the home series since 1988.[28]
It was also Australia's first Test match loss at home since they lost in Perth against South Africa in 2012.[28]
