***Official*** South Africa in Australia 2012

[Spikey]

if amla and smith both do score tons in a session, it'd be only the 2nd time in history two players have done it in a session (i think). the other time was hayden and gilly during the 380.

guess people score fast at the waca....

 

[sonnench]

Amla hasn't hit a boundary for more than 3 overs, and his run rate is declining. Unacceptable.

 

[Howe_zat]

You usually double the score after 30 overs, right?

 

[Flem274*]

Amla hasn't hit a boundary for more than 3 overs, and his run rate is declining. Unacceptable.

All good, they've brought back Starc. Just need Hastings on now.

 

[Spark]

**** Starc has bowled some pies

 

[LongHopCassidy]

Starc a one-man highlights reel atm.

 

[Johnners]

I get he's looking for wickets, but why on earth would you replace Johnson after just 3/4 overs when he's bowled what was comfortably the best spell after tea.

 

[stumpski]

Always feel a bit envious when I see spectators sitting on the grass bank, you can't even do that at county games anymore. Although it would be too muddy here most of the time.

 

[Spikey]

 

[sonnench]

Out of curiosity, why did Starc have such a fanbase coming into the game? Don't get me wrong, he did pretty decent in the 1st innings, but his FC and Test bowling average so far doesn't suggest he is as good as some people have made out be, in the longer form of the game anyway.

 

[Spikey]

because he's magic like stars

 

[stumpski]

You usually double the score after 30 overs, right?

Hah, yeah, would be worth seeing if it happens.

Might be worth giving Huss a go? Nothing to lose.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Beautiful draw shot from Hamish. Should sink the putt from there.

 

[Spikey]

amla trying to get australian fielders running into each other. almost worked

 

[Ruckus]

on the plus side, with only 7 off that over starc's economy is dropping

 

[TT Boy]

Gotta love Kallis keeping the pose after Starc bowled him.

Someone tell Amla this is day 2.

 

[aussie tragic]

Australia's biggest run chase to win in Australia is 6-369 vs PAK in Hobart 1999

Australia's biggest run chase to win a Test at the WACA is 8-342 vs India in 1977

SA could be 400 ahead by Lunch tomorrow

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Hamish Ambling along to another test ton.

How bad has this been from the Aussies though? Shocking bowling.

 

[TT Boy]

All good, they've brought back Starc. Just need Hastings on now.

People laughed at Kleinveldt but this trundler opened the bowling.

 

[wpdavid]

I would say, SA would declare only at a 500 lead, unless there is a collapse..But anything above 400 would be tough for the Aussies since most of the batsmen barring Clarke and Hussey are not in great form..

Likeliest scenario is SA declaring and setting 550 an hour from stumps on Day 3. Obviously that looks way too many after the first innings, but the ease with which these two have batted will make both sides think that a sizeable 4th innings chase isn't out of the question, so Smith will want as many as possible. And of course, there's so much time left that he can afford to wait.

Inexperience is costing Aus dearly imo. You'd have to fancy one of the more experienced guys to at least put some more pressure on the batsmen.

And I didn't see any of it, but the first session looks like one of the great passages of test cricket - fantastic bowling for SA's quicks and a blistering counter-attack by Wade. Am I wrong?