South Africa in Australia Dec 2008-Jan 2009

[aussie1st]

Do wish Haddin stayed in but thats the way he plays, if he changes his way he'll probably end up doing what he did in the first few test.

If we had to go Watson or Symonds I would go Watson, he at least values his wicket more and is more handy with the ball.

 

[stefan]

Good performance from the boys. Stuck to their task. Especially impressed with Steyn's stamina. To bowl 148kph in the last few overs of a day takes some going.

Now if only we can clean up the tail in this test.

 

[ZexyZahid]

A bit of shame that Australia has to rely on the tailenders again, but again they must score valuable runs for Australia. From South African side only Morkel was a bit expensive with his overs.

 

[nikhil_99]

It was SA say,the bowled well,took wickets at regular intervals,i guess India's coach gave them valuable tips to beat Aus (SA coach had asked Gary Kirsten ,before touring Aus)

 

[Yogy]

This has been a wonderful day of cricket with almost everything happening. We were never short of entertainment today with wickets coming alongwith runs. The South Africans started off well with the wicket of Hayden first-up but after that the man in form Katich stitched a valuable partnership with the flamboyant skipper Ponting. Ponting was the dominant of the two stroking the ball into the gaps at his own will, he looked very comfortable and scored positively. After Katich and Ponting went back, the Australians stuttered a little bit but the middle order contributed in bits and pieces to keep the Australians afloat. It would have been Australia's day had Haddin stayed through but his dismissal has given the visitors the momentum. Tomorrow should be another interesting day of cricket.

 

[aussie1st]

One of Clarke best 50s, the way he battled through yesterday after being well of his game showed real concentration. Lee is now flaying them, but geez it's going to be worrying when SA come out to bat.

 

[McLOVIN]

CI: Steyn rocks Australia's lower order

LOL! as usual :

 

[Mr.Cricket]

We got to a pretty good total in the end. At MCG you always do allrite if you have runs on the board. When you consider the size of the ground 390 is worth about 425. How good was Punter yesterday ? He was almsot back to his best and there is no better way to respond to your critics. But in a way Clarke was even better. Its onething to get runs when you are in good form but getting runs when struggling is a sign of a great batsmen. Few years ago he wouldve thrown it away playing a silly shot. What a Great knock , deserved a hundred for that.

Ps - 120 runs for the last 4 wickets. Gotta love our tail (lower order).

 

[mattfb]

I come home today, quickly turn the tele on and just in time to see Siddles over! Brilliant! Great pace, bounce, a bit of swing and a bit of seam. Good decision by Ponting to open the bowling with him. I'm still a little dirty with Siddle for getting out when Clarke was on 88 though

 

[aussie1st]

Siddle looks a lot better today, got the right line and length. Hes also bowling with good pace. How he finishes this inns could decide his fate. Lee has got his pace back but not much swing and sadly isn't looking very threatening. Still would have loved Hilfy in there, our attack has good pace but lacks that genuine swing.

 

[irottev]

Soft dismissal from Kallis.

 

[Mr.Cricket]

Got him!!! What a big wicket just before the tea break. Hauritz doing a good job so far , keeping the pressure up from one end. Smith in great form , if we get him early after the tea break we will be right on top.

Great opening spell from Siddle as well.

 

[angryangy]

Good finish to the session. Kallis struggled to work Hauritz away initially, but he turned to the sweep, often sweeping well outside off stump. A short scuffle unfolded; Kallis insisting that he was able to sweep whatever he felt like, the bowler and the fielding side insisting that he'd eventually take one risk too many. Smith remains key to the innings going into the final session and the guy coming out after the break isn't too shabby either.

 

[aussie1st]

Good call by the selectors in picking Hauritz. Hes keeping it tight and now hes got a big wicket of Kallis. Hes also getting turn so I reckon the selectors could well have found the player that they should punt on.

 

[angryangy]

And good call to stick with Siddle, he's got Smith and South Africa are in trouble.