***Official*** South Africa in Australia

[TazzX]

350 is the min I would think. SA is pretty good at chasing.

 

[Jono]

Another catch dropped.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

350 the min? 350 is a huge chase in the fourth innings. It would take a great effort for SA to chase that down on the fourth day against Warne, McGrath and company.

250+ would be hard, and I'd be comfortable with anything over 300. Obviously though, there's no need to think about declaring until tomorrow afternoon, so Australia will just bat. South Africa will be hoping to dismiss Australia for no more than 300 in this second innings, to give themselves a good chance.

 

[parttimer]

I get the feeling the Saffies could do with a little more raw pace in their attack. Pollock, Nel and Langveldt are all around the 135 k mark, altho Langs quicker one is 140 the Aussies are handling it pretty easy and SA looking one dimensional. Ntini's next spell is gonna be vital

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

The bowling has been good from South Africa all day. I'm pretty impressed with Australia's application. The pitch is a good one but there's a bit there off the seam, and the bowling has been accurate and clever, and Australia have got to 171 with only two recognised batsmen out. It's a strong position.

 

[Jono]

That was very close!

 

[Arrow]

That looked pretty plumb. I dont know what richie is on about but his foot looked to be just inline with the stumps.
If that was a SA batsmen he would have been given out 100%.

 

[parttimer]

That looked pretty plumb. I dont know what richie is on about but his foot looked to be just inline with the stumps.
If that was a SA batsmen he would have been given out 100%.

Thanks for adding some subcontinental flair..

 

[Jono]

Thanks for adding some subcontinental flair..

What?

 

[mikeW]

it clearly hit is toe outside the line. Ponting brings up his 50 with a 4.

 

[Jono]

MAKHAYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big wicket.

 

[parttimer]

What?

I read ICF..

 

[aussie]

well decent batting here from Punters n Hodge, SA not doing themselves much favour with dropping hodge lead 146 n good 50 by the skipper having a great match with the bat.

 

[aussie]

geez just had he brought up his 50 Punters goes shooooooooooooot

 

[parttimer]

They really needed that one and they got it! Well bowled Ntini

 

[aussie]

well thats tea one session to go, Australia's lead just about 150, go countributions from all the batsmen should be able to give them a lead of 300, but it wont be easy.

 

[Pratters]

Australia is favourites to win here still IMO.

RSA should really have got a lead of around 100 in inning 1.

The next session will be very crucial!

 

[mikeW]

Australia slowly building a lead its now up to 186.

4/224
Hussey 27*
Hodge 35*

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

I'm really impressed with Hodge. He's applied himself wonderfully, just like Langer and Ponting did, and he's shown that even though in terms of number of tests the Australian middle-order is inexperienced, Hodge and Hussey are nothing of the sort.

With two more batsmen and then Warne to come, I think Australia should be able to push well above 300.

 

[Maison]

I'm really impressed with Hodge. He's applied himself wonderfully, just like Langer and Ponting did, and he's shown that even though in terms of number of tests the Australian middle-order is inexperienced, Hodge and Hussey are nothing of the sort.

With two more batsmen and then Warne to come, I think Australia should be able to push well above 300.

mmm yes, should be able to..

but im not really holding my breath for gilchrist to do well, sadly :'(