***Official Australia in South Africa***

[andyc]

More credit needs to be given to Clark IMO. Lee was absolutely amazing, don`t doubt that, but runs off Clark were as rare as a G-rated show on Channel 10.

Yeah, nothing at all wrong with 2/37 off 18.

Ponting with his fifty there, by the way. What a year he's having.

Edit: And Hayden with his 50 now. Aussies should be looking at a lead of at least 400, and hopefully get some overs in later today. I'm sure Ponting won't make the same mistake he did with Hodge's 200 back in Australia, but even if it is delayed a bit, batting seems to be pretty hard, and I'd tip Warne to take a few on a 5th day wicket.

 

[andyc]

I'll probably end up jinxing him, but Ponting could be looking at his second twin century match for the year here.

 

[cameeel]

Hayden needs one more for his century....

 

[cameeel]

Hayden gets a well played 100*

 

[TazzX]

This team is looking better and better, batting and bowling becoming really strong :| i hate it !!!

 

[andyc]

Ponting brings up his hundred and the 200 partnership in the one ball, and then Hayden is caught behind off Ntini. All the same, very well played to both of them, and for Ponting especially--that's his third twin-century match this season, and, as I said above, second this year.

 

[cameeel]

100 for Ponting

 

[cameeel]

Damn.

Hayden gone for 102

M. Hayden ct Boucher b Ntini 102

 

[aussie]

Australia have scored at a superbly fast rate today, they could declare within the next hour & send SA back into bat.

 

[Steulen]

Somehow I don't think Australia will want to set a target anywhere close to 435. They'll go on until the draw is safe, probably, and then try for the win.

 

[alternative]

Punter is gone.. Pollock took his first wicket for the innings.

 

[TazzX]

Somehow I don't think Australia will want to set a target anywhere close to 435. They'll go on until the draw is safe, probably, and then try for the win.

I don't see why not. Save total you would think leaving them with more than 3 sessions to bowl SA out.

 

[social]

Nel .... you idiot!

Talk about trying to fight a losing battle.

I like his attitude, he's got ability but sometimes no brain.

 

[Steulen]

Well, egg on my face there with Ponting setting a target of 410 with 130 overs remaining...

Aussie ****iness taking over, I feel. South Africa will think that all they have to do is not get out and they'll reach the target. It's basically a gift which needs to be carefully unwrapped or it'll break.

Whatever the outcome...poor captaincy by Ponting

 

[vic_orthdox]

Disagree. Doesn't matter what happens, 400 is always a tough score to chase, and they've given them a carrot to score at a reasonable pace too, with it maybe being a little on the slow side. He's playing positive cricket, and so he should.

 

[TazzX]

Ponting obviously knows his bowlers have it over the SA batsmen, however like they have proved not to long ago, when you think they are down and out, they come out and bite you.

Smith/Gibbs/Kallis needs to do something special here ...

 

[Steulen]

Disagree. Doesn't matter what happens, 400 is always a tough score to chase, and they've given them a carrot to score at a reasonable pace too, with it maybe being a little on the slow side. He's playing positive cricket, and so he should.

With the situation in the series as it is (1-0 up with one to go after this one) it's stupid to take this kind of risk. I think it shows a lack of respect for one of the best Test batting line-ups.

Sure, it's odds on that SA will not reach their target, but by scoring another 50-60 runs in quick time Australia would have swung the scales mightily in their favour without compromising on their victory chances too much.

 

[vic_orthdox]

With the situation in the series as it is (1-0 up with one to go after this one) it's stupid to take this kind of risk. I think it shows a lack of respect for one of the best Test batting line-ups.

Sure, it's odds on that SA will not reach their target, but by scoring another 50-60 runs in quick time Australia would have swung the scales mightily in their favour without compromising on their victory chances too much.

South Africa is probably the best defensive batting line up in the world. If you dangle a carrot, things change (outside of Gibbs and to a lesser extent Smith, who will play the same way no matter what).

 

[howardj]

Even allowing for the flat pitches around the world, these three gents are freaks:

This Series

Ponting: 294 @ 73
Hayden: 228 @ 57
Kallis: 156 @ 52

1 January 2000 - tonight (includes this Test)

Kallis: 5920 @ 65
Ponting: 6236 @ 64
Hayden: 6688 @ 59.18

 

[TazzX]

Even allowing for the flat pitches around the world, these three gents are freaks:

This Series

Ponting: 294 @ 73
Hayden: 228 @ 57
Kallis: 156 @ 52

1 January 2000 - tonight (includes this Test)

Kallis: 5920 @ 65
Ponting: 6236 @ 64
Hayden: 6688 @ 59.18

Brilliant stats.

What will SA aim for before close of play? 120 for no loss or just one at the most?