First Test evenly poised
17 December, 2008

Australia has finished the opening day of the first 3 Mobile Test against South Africa on 9-341.

At the start of the day, the Australians would probably have been more than happy with the 300-plus score after falling to 3-15 in the first six overs when Matthew Hayden fell for 12 with Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey both making ducks.

But having established decent starts to their innings, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds and Brad Haddin all gave up their wickets cheaply playing rash shots and the Australians could end up paying dearly for it against a strong South African batting line-up.

Jason Krejza (19) and Peter Siddle (0) were the not out batsmen after Mitchell Johnson (18) was trapped in front off the final ball of the day by the impressive Morne Morkel

It was a fair result for the South Africans as Johnson was dropped at fine-leg by Makhaya Ntini and presented several other chances throughout his innings.

Simon Katich was the star of the day for the hosts, though, the opener producing an almost chanceless 83 before being trapped in front by a full toss from Morne Morkel just before tea.

At that point, the Australians had wrested the momentum back from South Africa after the early flurry of wickets, with Katich and Michael Clarke combining for 149 runs for the fourth wicket.

The next over Clarke had a brain explosion, lofting South African spinner Paul Harris to mid-on unnecessarily and losing his wicket for 62, allowing the South Africans to go to tea with all the momentum and the score at 5-172.

Symonds (57) and Haddin (46) looked set for the most explosive partnership of the day, however, as the pair took to Harris and Jacques Kallis in the final session, taking singles at will as Proteas' skipper Graeme Smith opted for an ultra-aggressive field with a short mid-on and short mid-off in play.

But despite conceding 93 runs in 73 minutes as Symonds and Haddin carved up the attack, Smith's aggressive field placements eventually paid dividends as he tempted both Symonds and Haddin into big shots over the infield.

Having passed his half-century, Symonds was deceived by some movement by Harris and his leading edge was well caught in the deep by Neil McKenzie, giving the spinner his second wicket at the expense of 70 runs.

The second new ball worked effectively for South Africa too, as Haddin lofted Ntini's second delivery with the new ball directly down Proteas debutant J.P. Duminy's throat in the deep once again.

It was the veteran fast bowler's third wicket of the day after he claimed Hayden and Ponting's scalps with consecutive balls in the third over of the morning.

The biggest disappointment of the day for South Africa would be star fast bowler Dale Steyn. The 25-year-old claimed Hussey's wicket early in the morning bowling into the breeze but became increasingly frustrated as Katich and Clarke salvaged Australia's innings.

As his frustration mounted Steyn lost his length and was pinged for three wides for deliveries that flew over the batsmen's heads. He eventually took his second wicket for 71 runs after Brett Lee (29) mis-timed a drive and was caught by Duminy.

Morkel (2-62), though, eventually took the second wicket he deserved off the last ball of the day. His patient use of the yorker had proved enough to break the Katich/Clarke partnership that had threatened to see Australia post a 450-plus score, while the lanky paceman produced an effective line and length all day as others floundered.

The Proteas', though, suffered an early blow on Wednesday morning. Vice-captain Ashwell Prince was forced from the side after cracking his thumb in the nets on Tuesday facing Ntini. He is expected to need 10-days recuperation and could be in doubt for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Mitch's magic spell
18 December, 2008

Mitchell Johnson A seven-wicket haul from Mitchell Johnson has turned the second day of the first 3 Mobile Test on its head in an incredible, topsy-turvy final session at the WACA.

The Proteas were cruising after tea at 3-234 in response to Australia's 375, with half-centurions Jacques Kallis (63) and AB de Villiers (63) looking well in control.

But the loss of de Villiers, caught behind off Johnson in the last half hour set in motion a remarkable train of events as Johnson claimed 5-2 in 21 balls, as the Proteas were reduced to 8-243 at stumps.

Kallis followed in Johnson's next over as he was caught behind as well, with the next over seeing Proteas' debutant J.P Duminy (1) caught by Brad Haddin with a delivery that looked to come off the glove.

Morne Morkel made one before becoming the next of Johnson's victims in the penultimate over of the day, with the left-armer also claiming Paul Harris (0) for good measure, both batsmen being caught in close through sharp catches by Jason Krejza.

Johnson finished the day with 7-42, his best bowling figures and his second five-wicket haul after taking 5-38 against New Zealand last month.

The wickets, though, were symptomatic of a match where wickets have fallen in clusters over the first two days, despite the batsmen appearing comfortably in control in between.


After Proteas' opener Neil McKenzie became Johnson's first scalp with a dreadful shot that he skied directly to Krejza, South African skipper Graeme Smith and No.3 bat Hashim Amla easily posted 90 runs before Krejza produced a stunning ball to remove Amla.

Krejza, brought back on against the breeze once it blew up, flighted a delivery to Amla, getting it to turn wickedly off the deck and slip through the gate as Amla attempted to drive, taking out the batsman's off-stump.

Johnson had initially struggled with his line and length during his early spells, but he rapidly got it right, testing and probing South Africa's batsmen with a good combination of fast and slow balls before earning a nick from Smith that was edged onto the stumps half an hour before tea.

But Kallis and De Villiers weathered the Australian's pressure, taking the Proteas through to the final break and wresting the momentum back as they put on 100 runs from 191 balls.

But having established a start, de Villiers fell to Johnson, sparking the massive collapse as the tourists lost 5-7, Johnson leaving the pitch to the biggest round of applause for the day.

Australia's other wicket taker, Krejza, finished the day with 1-102 after taking some stiff punishment from Kallis and de Villiers as he tired late in the day.

Aussie tail fights hard
19 December, 2008

Mike Hussey South Africa has fought its way into a good position at stumps on day three of the first 3 Mobile Test at the WACA, although the Proteas still have to contend with a fighting Australian tail led by Brad Haddin and Jason Krejza.

In a match with more twists and turns than a soap opera, Australia bowled South Africa out for 281 early on Friday morning in response to the home side's initial 375.

Mitchell Johnson was the star, completing one of the finest bowling performances by an Australian player, his 8-61 including a sensational spell of 5-2 late on the second day, as the Proteas slumped from a comfortable 3-234 to 8-243.

South Africa, though, seemed determined to atone for that late collapse when it came into bowl, the Proteas producing some tight bowling and inspired fielding to have the home side reeling at 7-162 with a lead of just 256 runs, easy pickings for the tourist's strong batting line-up.

Fighting the momentum, not-out batsmen Haddin (39) and Krejza (28) hit back, attacking the Proteas' bowlers and posting a vital 66-run partnership that took the hosts to stumps with the score at 7-228, a lead of 322 runs that may have swung the match back in Australia's favour.

Johnson's performance, though, will not remove the spotlight from Matthew Hayden, the opener only making four runs in the second innings before being adjudged caught and bowled by Dale Steyn in a poor decision, as the ball clearly came off Hayden's pads.

At the start of the day, Johnson wasted little time taking his eighth wicket of the innings, having Steyn caught behind for eight in the day's third over as Australia immediately profited from taking the new ball.

The 27-year-old former Queenslander almost took his ninth when Proteas wicketkeeper Mark Boucher top-edged high into the air. But Brad Haddin missed the difficult chance to give Johnson the best figures for an Australian of all time, allowing Arthur Malley's 87-year-old record of 9-121 to stand.

Having bowled South Africa out, Australia's run chase started poorly with Hayden falling before lunch.

Simon Katich (37), Ricky Ponting (32) and Mike Hussey (8) then all failed to capitalise on making good starts, giving the Proteas some degree of hope that blossomed after tea as Michael Clarke (26), Andrew Symonds (37) and Brett Lee (5) all feel in quick succession.

Ponting had some excuses, battling on against an abdominal strain before being deceived by some extra bounce from Proteas' spinner Paul Harris (2-64).

But Katich failed to move his feet effectively, while Hussey chopped a Makhaya Ntini (1-53) delivery onto his stumps, the batsmen attempting to lift the run rate after being on the defensive to Morne Morkel, who bowled impressively without reward.

After carefully compiling a 60-run partnership, Clarke and Symonds also fell to some terrible shot selection as their naturally aggressive games came through.

Both batsmen were guilty of giving away their wickets in the first innings through some rash big hits, but they held themselves in check for an hour before Clarke slashed at a wide Steyn (2-57) delivery and was caught behind.

Symonds then dolled up an easy catch to give Harris his second wicket, the Queenslander miscuing an attempt to hit over the infield.

And Lee fell victim to a sensational catch by AB de Villiers at third slip, the fielder diving headlong to take it two-handed as Lee attempted to glide the ball through point.

But that just brought Haddin and Krejza to the crease, the wicketkeeper immediately releasing the pressure by belting Harris for two sixes in the next over, with Krejza giving him good support down the other end.

Proteas within reach
20 December, 2008

Brad Haddin A composed century from Graeme Smith has put South Africa within range of winning the first 3 Mobile Test, although the tourists still need to complete the second highest run chase in history.

On a stormy, rain-interrupted day at the WACA, where play stretched deep into the evening, South Africa bowled Australia out for 319 on the stroke of lunch, top scorer Brad Haddin scoring 94, to set the Proteas 414 over five sessions of play.

South Africa lost Neil McKenzie early in the innings for 10 but Smith's century and a half century to Hashim Amla helped the Proteas finish on 3-227, needing 187 to win with seven wickets in hand and a day to play.

Smith and Amla combined for 163 runs, the pair barely presenting a chance to the Australians as they fended off Peter Siddle and Jason Krejza with ease, moving along to 1-172 late in the final session.

But the re-introduction of spearheads Brett Lee (1-40) and Mitchell Johnson (2-56) into the attack changed the complexion of this topsy-turvy match once again.

After taking McKenzie's wicket in the first hour, Johnson claimed his second scalp of the innings and his 10th of the match trapping Smith in front on 108 with a slower ball the skipper attempted to flick off his pads.

Despite taking a secondary role in the partnership, Amla appeared untroubled by Australia's attack as he steadily compiled 53 runs, using his trademark flicks to great effect.

But Lee finally took a well-deserved first wicket for the match, having Amla caught behind three overs after Smith departed.

Having bowled a bouncer at the elegant No.3 bat, Lee followed it up with a fuller delivery that seamed slightly off the deck, earning the bowler a slight edge that carried through to Haddin.

It was the very least Lee deserved for an intimidating performance, especially early in the innings, where he defied a gusty wind to bowl with venom, pinning down the South African openers for seven overs as he beat the bat and threatened with virtually every ball.

But Jacques Kallis (33) and AB de Villiers (11) - the Proteas' top scorers in the first innings with 63 - defied Lee and Johnson, seeing them off as a combination of rain delays and a slow over rate took play past eight o'clock pm, Siddle and Krejza receiving more stick from Kallis as their concentration waned.

If they reach the target, the Proteas will just fall just short of the highest chase in Test history, an accolade earned by the West Indies in 2002-03 when they successfully chased down 418 to win.

Earlier in the day, Haddin and Krejza posted a 79-run eighth-wicket partnership, helping Australia recover from 7-162 late on the third day.

It was a particularly impressive performance by Australia's tail, as the last three wickets fell for 157.

Krejza was out to another brilliant diving catch by de Villiers at point off Kallis (3-24) bowling, the batsman enjoying a sensational match in the field having taken memorable catches to remove Lee in this innings and Mike Hussey on the first day.

A free-wheeling Johnson wielded his bat with such power he broke it compiling 21 runs before edging Morne Morkel (1-42) to Kallis at first slip, while the unbeaten Siddle (4) looked solid in defence as Haddin lifted the run rate down the other end, scoring 16 off Paul Harris (1-85) before being stumped.

Proteas claim historic win
21 December, 2008

AB de Villiers AB de Villiers and debutant J.P. Duminy have led South Africa to a history-making 3 Mobile Test victory over Australia in Perth, the Proteas making 414 to claim the second-highest successful run chase in history

De Villiers crafted a careful, unbeaten 106 on the fifth day at the WACA, taking a back-seat to Jacques Kallis (57) in the morning session as the pair posted a 124-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Kallis became Mitchell Johnson's third wicket of the innings and his 11th for the match when he was caught by Mike Hussey with a sharp catch at point, giving the Australians hope of a sensational victory as the Proteas still had 111 runs to make.

But Duminy showed maturity beyond his years, setting aside a first innings failure as he resisted a determined Johnson during the early stages of his knock and combined with de Villiers for a 111-run partnership that took the Proteas to 4-414, a six-wicket victory.

With three runs needed to win, Duminy stroked Johnson through covers, the batsmen scuttling through for three runs as Andrew Symonds chased it down, giving the debutant an unbeaten and very memorable 50.

"It's not easy to describe," said Man of the Match de Villiers after the match, the batsman spending most of the press conference, head in hands mentally and physically drained.

"Things went our way, that's part of the game and I'm just delighted that we came through."

"JP and I got together and we've played cricket together from a very young age, we understand each other's games and it just paid off today," he said.

The result looked particularly unlikely after the second day, when Johnson produced a sensational spell to dismiss five South African wickets for two runs, seeing the Proteas slump from a comfortable 3-234 in their first innings to eventually be bowled out for 281.

Johnson's 8-61 followed by 3-98 in the second dig gave the 27-year-old match figures of 11-159, the first ten-wicket haul of his career, but it wasn't enough as a determined South Africa dragged themselves off the canvas following the second day failure.

Some tight bowling and inspired fielding on the third day, combined with a few particularly sloppy strokes by the Australian top order, saw the home side slump to 7-162.

But a sparkling 94 from Brad Haddin, who combined with the tail for 157 of the 319 second innings' runs, saw Australia set South Africa a massive 414 to win the encounter over five sessions.

"I really think we had an opportunity to play them out of the game and bat them out of the game with our second innings," said Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

"Whether we weren't good enough, or mentally we weren't in the right place to do that, to occupy the crease and build a really good second innings total, I'm not sure but 319, as it turned out was nowhere near enough in the second innings."

"It is a bit of a worry that we weren't good enough to take 20 wickets in this Test and to only take four in the fourth innings is very disappointing for everybody."

Despite Proteas opener Neil McKenzie falling for 10 after an hour of intense bowling from Brett Lee and Johnson after lunch on day four, Proteas skipper Graeme Smith laid aside the ghosts of past failures against Australia to score his maiden ton against the home side, a bullish 108 as he combined with Hashim Amla (53) for 153 runs.

The departure of that pair an hour before an incredible 8 o'clock pm stumps gave Australia hope leading into the fifth day but that was soon blown away as Kallis and de Villiers scored runs with ease against an Australian attack blunted by a pitch offering no movement off the deck.

Kallis lived dangerously and offered a few chances after Australia took the new ball 16 overs into the morning before being dismissed for 57.

But Duminy proved he had the mettle for the contest, he and de Villiers leading the Proteas home.

Aside from Johnson, Australia's attack lacked bite. Brett Lee (1-73) appeared dangerous on the fourth day but lowered his colours on Sunday and was expensive, while Jason Krejza and Peter Siddle were wicketless at the expense of 102 and 84 runs respectively.


It's the first time Australia has lost the first Test of a series on home soil since it failed against the West Indies in Brisbane during 1988-98.

The result will also the Proteas a sensational chance to win their first Test Series against Australia since the nation's re-introduction to world cricket in 1992 and of becoming the first side since the West Indies in 1992-93 to defeat the Aussies at home.

December 22, 2008

OFF-SPINNER Nathan Hauritz and paceman Ben Hilfenhaus have been included in Australia's squad for the second cricket Test against South Africa at the MCG, starting on Boxing Day.

Hauritz replaced Jason Krejza, who returned match figures of 1-204 in the six-wicket defeat to the Proteas in the first Test in Perth.

Veterans Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden retained their places in the squad despite their recent struggles, with Hayden a confirmed starter given no other batsmen were brought into the squad.

However Lee, 32, who returned match figures of 1-132 at the WACA Ground, could find himself replaced by Tasmanian Hilfenhaus, who is yet to play a Test although he has played one one-day international.

Victoria paceman Peter Siddle, another who had little impact in Perth, was also retained, while the 13-man squad also included Queensland all-rounder Shane Watson.

Hauritz, 27, has played two Tests, one in India in 2004 and the other against New Zealand in Adelaide last month, when Krejza was injured.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Krejza had leaked too many runs when bowling in Perth, which made it difficult for Australia to maintain pressure on South Africa's batsmen.

South Africa scored a remarkable 4-414 in the final innings of the Test to win, the second-highest successful run-chase in Test history.

“The national selection panel consider that Jason is a potentially fine spin bowler for Australia, but our view is that in Perth we were unable to maintain pressure and to successfully use our fast bowlers we needed to maintain that pressure at the spinner's end,” Hilditch said.

“Jason has been informed of this reasoning and has been encouraged to continue to be a wicket-taking spin bowler but will return to interstate cricket to further those skills.”

Hauritz took four wickets in the second Test against the Kiwis, and Hilditch said the selectors thought the NSW bowler deserved a recall given the pressure he applied in that match.

Hilfenhaus, 25, played a one-day match against New Zealand in January 2007 and has enjoyed a great start to the Sheffield Shield season, having taken 24 wickets at 18.66 from six matches.

The right-armer was rewarded for his form and ability to swing the ball, and in a sign that he could potentially replace Lee, Hilditch said the Tasmanian was capable of opening the bowling.

“Ben is in the middle of a successful Sheffield Shield season for Tasmania and has been added primarily because of his ability to swing the ball,” he said.

“He also adds depth as a new ball bowling option.”

Watson also provides another bowling option, however his all-rounder rival Andrew Symonds made 57 and 37 in Perth, although he was out to two rash shots.

Symonds bowled only three overs in South Africa's first innings.

Hayden's retention paves the way for the 37-year-old to play another Test in Melbourne, where he has a phenomenal record.

Although Hayden has struggled for most of this year - his past 13 innings have yielded only 282 runs at 23.50 - he has scored six centuries from the past seven Tests he played at the MCG.

Australia are aiming to bounce back and win a series after losing the first Test, a feat they have achieved only six times, but not since 1968-69 against the West Indies.

Australia have never won a three-match series after losing the first Test.

Australia Squad
Ricky Ponting (c): TAS, 34
Michael Clarke (vc): NSW, 27
Brad Haddin: NSW, 31
Nathan Hauritz: NSW, 27
Matthew Hayden: QLD, 37
Ben Hilfenhaus: TAS 25
Michael Hussey: WA, 33
Mitchell Johnson: WA, 27
Simon Katich: NSW, 33
Brett Lee: NSW, 32
Peter Siddle: VIC, 24
Andrew Symonds: QLD, 33
Shane Watson: QLD, 27

At some point I think during the 2nd day South Africa got out to odds of 13-1 and I wasnt very confident but I thought its early on in a 2 horse race; god thats good value... but I didnt bet on it of course. In fact never have bet on anything other than racing but maybe should start to.

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Hey hussler2912, It was good value but hard go against the aussies. I must say that i wasn't disappointed with australia getting beat. This might be a wake up call for some out of form players and the selectors. cheers Dougie

Yeah mate but I just find it ridiculous how Ponting's form hasnt been questioned once. And here he is at the press conference blambing it all on the bowlers. Hey Ricky, how bout you, Hus and Hayden make some runs then you can bag the bowlers. Also they've bought in Hauritz to the side, he's no way better than krejza.

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Hey hussler2912, I think Hayden should retired or try to go back to state level and reignite his form with the bat. Brett Lee has personal issues but I think will bounce back. Ponting and Hussey might need more time in middle but they are great players who will strike form soon again i hope. Hilfenhaus a great includition into the Aussie Team will be a big plus with ball being in great form for state level. Anyway we have all got opinions about the Aussie team selection but all they have to do now is the to win the next test in melbourne and then Sydney. GO THE AUSSIES!!!!!!!! oi oi oi. cheers Dougie