27 December, 2008

Peter Siddle and Nathan Hauritz, Australia's two least experienced bowlers, justified selectors' faith in them on Saturday when they wrecked South Africa's middle order to turn the second Test at the MCG on its head.

The Proteas - who will resume on Sunday on 7-198, still trailing by 196 - will be forced to spend the hours leading into day three fending away demons many thought they had exorcised a week ago.

In contrast, the Australians will be buoyed after an excellent day in which their tail, led by an unbeaten 88 from Michael Clarke, again wagged to allow the home side to reach 394, and their bowlers turned in their best showing for many months.

After a torrid week in which Australia's attack was pilloried for lacking venom, Ricky Ponting's bowlers gave their critics a liberal serve of humble pie.

Leading the charge was a pair of third-gamers in Siddle and Hauritz.

Hauritz claimed two wickets, including the prized scalps of Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher, while Siddle removed the hapless Neil McKenzie and Perth centurions Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers in two high-class spells of pace bowling.

Siddle bowled with fire and, more importantly, control, finishing the day with figures of 3-24.

In what proved an inspired move by Ponting, Siddle was thrown the new ball by his captain in preference to Mitchell Johnson - Australia's best bowler in the first Test.

Encouraged by 42,814 fellow Victorians whose enthusiasm hit fever pitch later in the day, Siddle broke through in his opening over, bowling McKenzie after softening him up with several balls which fizzed off a good length.

But it was his second stint which roused his home crowd into a lather.

Relieving Johnson, who had removed Hashim Amla with the new ball for 19, Siddle delivered what could well be remembered as his coming-of-age spell.

He induced Smith, then the cornerstone of South Africa's innings, into driving a wide one and had the Proteas captain caught behind for 62 then bowled de Villiers with a ball that beat him for pace.

Not knowing he had rattled de Villiers' furniture, Siddle pleaded for an lbw only to be told by jubilant team-mates he had no need to appeal.

Hauritz, in contrast, relied on dip and subtle variation for his wickets.

He had Kallis tied down and was rewarded when the South African veteran played a false sweep shot and was caught behind with the final ball prior to tea.

Boucher was his second victim when he was beaten in the air and swept Hauritz straight to Michael Hussey at square leg.

Johnson, too, came to the party.

He ended Amla's innings with his first over of the game then bowled Morne Morkel for 21.

Dale Steyn grabbed 5-94 to be the only positive on a dismal day for the tourists.