Ponting declares in search of win

Australia has declared their innings closed at 4/257 shortly after tea in search of a win in the third and final test against South Africa.

Hayden and Katich started well for Australia, Hayden looking good in his 39 and Katich grinding out a slow 61. Ponting kept the runs flowing making a quick-fire 53 off only 57 deliveries and Hussey fought out a tough 45 not out. Clarke added 41 and when he was dismissed Ponting called the innings closed. Morne Morkel was the pick of the South African bowlers taking 2/38 off his 12 overs. In form quick Dale Steyn and spinner Paul Harris picked up a wicket each.

In Australia’s 26 over stint at the South African top order, they only picked up the wicket of regular tailender Morne Morkel who was opening the batting in Smith’s absence, giving left-arm quick Doug Bollinger his first test wicket. Stand in Captain McKenzie and Hashim Amla knocked off 60 of the required 376 runs before stumps, on scores of 25* and 30* respectively.

Despite recent worries about the pitch, the batsmen dominated today, with only 5 wickets falling, 1 a tail ender sent out to face the new ball. The Australian’s will be looking for early wickets tomorrow morning to rip through the heart and soul of the South African batting order, and the South African’s will be looking to knock off the runs losing the least amount of wickets possible.

On one last note, Captain Greame Smith will only bat if he absolutely needs to and can get South Africa to victory, eg, they lose 9 wickets with less than 50 odd runs to go.