2nd Test, Day 3: Brett Lee takes 5 for 69 to decimate South Africa tail
I had a good sports day yesterday. The Brisbane Broncos shrugged off their poor form to defeat Paramatta, the Queensland Bulls are cruising to victory in the Pura Cup final and Brett Lee skittled South Africa to put Australia in a dominant position in the 2nd Test. South Africa began Day 3 hoping to establish a first innings lead. They had just over 100 runs to polish off with plenty of wickets in hand and Jacques Kallis at the crease. They ended the day 227 runs behind Australia who still have 9 wickets in hand. It was a major turn around in the match, brought about when Australia took the new ball.
Clark took a wicket with his first ball, and the prize wicket of Kallis which sparked a major collapse. Even though Ponting is not the best captain around, he does learn from his mistakes. He hasn't sent the opposition in since Edgbaston (even though he insists he made the right decision at the time). He took half a day to introduce Clark yesterday - today, he gave Clark the new ball.
Things went seriously pear shaped from there as South Africa's last 5 wickets fell for just 12 runs in a tail-end collapse that would have embarrassed the West Indies. Brett Lee went past 200 Test wickets when he bowled Mark Boucher, a nice landmark but even more impressive was his brutal and hostile bowling with the second new ball. His first ball to Andre Nel was a 159km/hr bouncer. You'd think he'd save such a scorcher for South Africa's top order but somehow Nel brings out the best in the Australian bowlers. His final figures were 5 for 69 and in taking the last 2 wickets in 2 balls, is on a hattrick in the 2nd innings. Considering he'll be bowling the hattrick ball to Graeme Smith, you have to fancy his chances! :-)
The last session saw Australia build their strong position as Ponting and Hayden took us to 125 with the loss of only Langer. Hayden turned up as Mr Hyde again, batting in a cautious manner that would have Geoff Boycott nodding his head in approval. With a lead of 227 runs, it's hard to see South Africa getting back into this game barring an Australia collapse to rival their own. If the difference between Australia and South Africa in the 1st Test was the partnership between Ponting and Hayden, you'd have to say the difference in this match so far was Hussey's work with the Australian tail.
Lastly, on a non-cricketing theme, thank goodness the Commonwealth Games are over! I love sport and it's always great to see Australia win but you have to admit the genepool is somewhat diminished when you're only dealing with Commonwealth countries. Except in cricket - why isn't cricket a Commonwealth sport?!
Click here to check out Craig Mann's website
They say you never get sick of hearing your national anthem but frankly, I have to concur with Craig Mann's cartoon in this week's local rag. Opening and closing ceremonies are tedious enough as it is - when it comes down to it, they're just a huge, glorified rock eisteddfod. The Melbourne Commonwealth Games ceremonies are even worse, full of obscure local references that even other Australians don't understand. But most importantly, the Games radio coverage was given priority over cricket coverage so finally I can listen to the Test commentary uninterrupted.
| Posted by JC on Mon 27 Mar |  3 comments |
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