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. 

Sizzling Siddle stuns Saffa’s!

Victorian paceman Peter Siddle has stunned the South Africans and the fans by claiming his first 5-wicket-haul on day 3 of the New Years test to clean up the tail. On the day renamed ‘Jane McGrath day’ he recorded his best innings figures of 5/59 and kept Australia’s hopes of retaining the number 1 test side in the world strong, as he assisted in bowling out South Africa for 327, 118 in deficit to Aussies first innings total of 445.

At one stage the South African’s comeback was looking strong, as Boucher and Morkel had added 115, taking the visitors to 5/308 in reply to Australia’s first innings total. But then Siddle struck, and in 22 balls took 4/7 to bundle out the visitors quickly. Johnson (2/69 and a run out) and McDonald (1/41) took the remaining 3 wickets, keeping in mind that Australia only needed 9 wickets after captain Greame Smith’s decision to retire hurt after breaking his finger yesterday from a Mitchell Johnson delivery that reared up sharply.

 Doug Bollinger failed to take a wicket but bowled excellent, and deserved a wicket. He had an LBW should that Hawkeye proved was hitting the stumps comfortably, and has many a edge fall short of a fieldsman or hit the gap between two fielders.

Australia made a successful start to their second innings, safely negotiating the 6 overs, only having the one shout against them. Hayden showed signs of his old form, ending the day on 18 off 23 deliveries. Australian fans will be hoping he can continue tomorrow and post a big score, helping Australia to a lead of 300+.

Kallis and Amla steady ship after Australia dominate

South Africa have started steadily with the bat and made inroads in their first innings at the SCG, finishing the second day at 1/125, 320 behind the hosts.

Australia started the day at 6/267, and by lunch they had added 101 valuable runs without losing a wicket. South Africa were receiving a taste of their own medicine from when Duminy and Steyn added a mammoth partnership at Melbourne. Both Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson were dismissed within 6 over’s after the break, Michael Clarke gifting JP Duminy his first test wicket, hitting him a catch off his own bowling.

The South Africans innings started well, with Smith and McKenzie adding 35 in fewer than 13 over’s before a sharp rising delivery from Johnson nailed Smith in the little finger. He couldn’t even put the glove back on, and retired hurt and went to hospital, where it was realised he will be out for 6 weeks. This comes as a major blow to the South Africans, as they have lost their captain for the one day series, which I am sure they were planning on winning. Their chances have been somewhat dinted by this misfortune.

Siddle struck getting McKenzie LBW for 23, effectively South Africa’s first wicket to fall. Amla and Kallis batted the rest of the day, finishing up on 30* and 36* respectively.