The series kicks off today at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. South Africa are expecting a turning pitch so young Thandi Tshabalala or Nicky Boje will get the call up. Austalia are looking to go with a familiar team and it will be a craker of a game today. The expectation of the crowd is not very positive for the South Africans as they did not do well in Austalia.
Well a great start to the match by South Africa after they won the toss and decided to bat first. Both sides look new as Lee was dropped and Cullen in!The pitch looks like a batsman's paradise but the spinners are getting some sharp turn.
Smith got off so a shacky start but played well after that. He stuggled against the spinners but then got the hang of the pitch
de Villiers looked comfortable against all the bowlers and nobody really looked to rattle him.
He was almost run out but was given not out by the umpire
The Austalians will be looking for a early break through in the next session. With no Lee it will be intresting to see who is going to bowl in the second session. Here are the scorecard and the bowling figures
So were in for a great game. South Africa surprisingly have the upper hand in the first session but 1 or 2 quick wickets and they could just collapse under the pressure.
Interview at lunch with Ricky Ponting
Mike Haysman caught up with Austalian captain Ricky Ponting during lunch.
MH: Hi Ricky.
RP: Gday mate.
MH: So things not looking to good for you at the moment is it?
RP: No but we can bounce back.
MH: Why did you leave out Brett Lee?
RP: I am affraid I can't tell you that. Our coach felt he wasn't needed in this test.
MH: Is the counting his words back yet?
RP: Nah I don't think so yet. We'll have to see how the next session goes and see how Dan Cullen bowls.
MH: There looks to be alot of turn in the pitch.
RP: Yes it's vety unusual for a South African pitch.
MH: Well thanks Ricky and good luck for the rest of the match.
RP: Thanks mate. I'll stick you to a beer at the end of the day !
MH: lol Sure mate.
More action installed here at Johannesburg. We'll get back to the game right after this break
Great story so far and good to see a solid opening partnership from SA. Hopefully we can see Smith convert his start into a hundred.
Also, funny seeing Mike Haysman using internet talk
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
