***Official Australia in South Africa***

[howardj]

Really enjoying this Test Match. A bit different - but refreshing - to see the 'leather-flingers' in the ascendency. As usual, the cream rose to the top in Australia's innings, with Hayden and Ponting playing about as well as could be expected, given the conditions. Granted, the ball is doing plenty, but it must be a source of concern for the Aussie camp that the middle-order folded again. We're becoming a little too reliant on Hayden and Ponting in recent times. As far as the match goes, it's really up to Kallis and Prince (who I think has made great strides) to bankroll the South African innings. They need, at a minimum, a further 200 runs.

 

[aussie]

top day of test match cricket today. The way the ball moved around all day especially in the 1st session when Ntini & nel bowled really well without luck but Hayden & Ponting whether the storm well. Australia could have gotten more the 308 if Symonds didn't play that unwanted shot at such a crucial time, but Lee burst has put Australia back on top, just need to get Kallis within the 1st hour & Australia will be well on their way.

On a side note disappointed how Martyn got out since he was looking fairly comfortable, hopefully he gets big runs in this seires since his presence in a top 5 of Langer, Hayden, Ponting, Martyn & Hussey has this POWERFUL look.

 

[aussie]

Anyone else notice Hussey is getting out the same way of late?

The ball angled across him full has been the problem which has plagued him for years and explains why, contrary to what others think, he's never been picked to play for Australia previously; simply not good enough. As I've said before, averaging mid-30's per season as Hussey did in Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup cricket for years isn't and should never be considered good enough to play Test cricket. M'thinks we'll see his 'true' level from now on rather than the run-machine who's been in the form of his life.

As for Symonds' shot to get out; ugh. Moron.

hmm well yea, but those were fairly good deliveries outside off that got him, i would say like some left-handers that he is playing way from his body & getting out. Has you said we might see his true-level but i dont know if his run-scoring will fall way that much as yet TBH.

 

[aussie]

tell me again why Hodge was dropped?

admittedly his axing was harsh, but the reason given for it was fair IMO. The fact other than Hodge's double one can see that he doesn't have the technique to really ahndle top-quality fast bowling in testing & if he was retained we would have saw that today i'm sure.

Martyn can do it, hopefully he gets form during the test series here & proves that..

 

[TT Boy]

If someone on the South African side fancies staying around with Kallis, they can still post a tricky total for the Australians to hunt down. I thought South Africa bowled fantastically well today, to get nine wickets for less than 150 is impressive, shame the luck wasn't with them in the morning.

Also how great was Brett Lee in that over, fantastic stuff. Really has impressed and stepped up to the plate. Can never question the guys commitment but today he delivered the goods.

 

[aussie]

Also how great was Brett Lee in that over, fantastic stuff. Really has impressed and stepped up to the plate. Can never question the guys commitment but today he delivered the goods.

yep, great to see him continuing on the improvements he made during the australian summer. I was a bit worried about him after his unusually low-key OD series performances & the fact that may be that he could be suffering from burn-out since he has played so much of late but he looked really good 2 day.

 

[jot1]

Great cricket to watch from both sides today. Only thing to spoil it for me was Cas Naidoo. I have defended her in the past but she is starting to irritate me a bit. Saying things like "I don't think the Australians wanted that to happen at this stage of the game" when they lost some quick wickets, and "they must just keep on persevering" which isn't even English, makes me want to growl at her.
Brett Lee's bowling was fantastic to watch, reminded me of watching Donald in his heyday. And we bowled very well too. But the man who has impressed and entertained me the most since the Aussies have come here, is Symonds. To me, a bit of an unsung hero. Apart from everything else, the role he plays in the field is fantastic. We hardly get a ball past him and I think he has saved many a run in this tour that has hardly been mentioned.

 

[Nate]

Symonds has indeed been fantastic. Lee`s burst has superb, Australia really have South Africa on the back-foot. Hopefully they can get them out for under 250. How good was Warnie`s ball to Kallis! Front-foot Smithy.

 

[howardj]

Yeah, the whole Warnie v Kallis duel is brilliant to watch. Two master craftsmen in battle.

 

[andyc]

Very poor batting there from the Aussie middle order. Given the start they had (2/175), they should have been looking at around 400-450. All the same, good batting from Symonds, and good stuff from Lee to get some wickets there at the end.

 

[age_master]

yep, great to see him continuing on the improvements he made during the australian summer. I was a bit worried about him after his unusually low-key OD series performances & the fact that may be that he could be suffering from burn-out since he has played so much of late but he looked really good 2 day.

his main problem in ODI's recently has been the non excistance of his yorker.

 

[alternative]

A bit of dissapointment with the australia batting, but credit must go to south africans to get 9 wickets for 150 odd runs.. they bowled very well..
In the end, was very much impressed with Brett Lee charging in and taking two important wicekts, i was surprised to see him not take any more wickets but all in all.. good day

If Kallis gets some respectable support from the next two batsmen.. south africa could post a tricky total.. we are in for a great match..

 

[Jono]

SA's comeback with the ball was great, especially considering the dropped catches and all those nicks which fell short of the keeper. But they had to bat better late in the day and they didn't. So much rests on Kallis its unbelievable.

Anyway, anyone know what actually happened with that Smith incident? I was away from the TV when it happened and when they replayed it on Fox Sports when Border was commentating on it. He yelled something in the stump mic or something out of frustration with the edges falling short.

 

[mavric41]

Tell me why oh why is Tony Greig still a commentator? If he is not stating the bl00dy obvious, he is completely wrong in what he is saying. His partnership with Barry Richards is painful and really degrading my enjoyment of the cricket.

 

[Nate]

Anyway, anyone know what actually happened with that Smith incident? I was away from the TV when it happened and when they replayed it on Fox Sports when Border was commentating on it. He yelled something in the stump mic or something out of frustration with the edges falling short.

I think it was at Marto. He yelled "make the edges fricken carry" or something.

 

[SJS]

Kallis doesnt have a test 200. Time to get one now.

He is looking good so far and his bowling should have made him feel good too.

A really big hundred from him and we are in for a corker.

 

[TazzX]

Kallis doesnt have a test 200. Time to get one now.

He is looking good so far and his bowling should have made him feel good too.

A really big hundred from him and we are in for a corker.

That and his got something else, TIME, something he LOVES

 

[Nate]

You have to like how Lee has been bowling in this Test. His line and length has been excellent, and with absolute snorters like the ball to Gibbs, it`s paying dividends.

Can`t wait for tonight!

 

[andyc]

Nathan, what's with the new avatar?

 

[Nate]

It`s hilarious.