South Africa could not have had a better couple of days even if they wished for. If Ricky Ponting’s ninety-nine be deducted, what was on board would have been plain shamefaced for Australia.
How South Africa got out of a situation like 198 for seven at the end of the second’s play to stand here with 153 to get in the fourth innings to rout Australia at home at the end of the fourth day’s play is, as a cliché goes, the stuff of legends. If they did get through a potentially disastrous situation, two men amongst others have stood out more prominently than the others.
Steyn Sting and White Lightning combine
Steyn with Test player of the year award
Dale Steyn has become the leading frontrunner for the Man of the Match award with his ten wicket haul in the second Test in Melbourne to go with his well deserved seventy-six in South Africa’s first innings. Steyn, who wrecked Australia’s scoring moves with his five wicket haul in the first innings which still could not prevent Australia from posting 394, did an encore to ensure South Africa capitalized on their sixty-five run lead from the first innings.
Australia lost three of their prime wickets even before they went past the deficit and it had a telling effect on the rest of the batting order. But for Ponting’s innings, Australia would have simply paled away into ignominy. That the captain held on as the choppy waters made the boat rocky, has meant that Australia at least have a few runs to play around with as they set South Africa a target of 183 with the final day’s play still to go with Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie knocking off thirty runs for good measure.
While Smith looked in good nick and did the bulk of the scoring in the six overs, McKenzie was fortunate to be alive as Brett Lee bowled him only to have also bowled a no ball.
Steyn picked up Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich, the former beginning to show sparks to try and salvage his career that is being scrutinized with a comb in light of his recent personal debacles with the bat. That done, it was Morne Morkel, dubbed White Lightning, to aid the striker. Mike Hussey was perhaps unlucky as the ball appeared to hit his helmet as it bounced into the hands of the fielders as replays proved inconclusive. But the decision was made by the field umpire and it meant Australia were managing to find defeat from the possible jaws of victory two days earlier.
(also read:White Lightning Against Australia…Again? )
Ponting – The Lone Punter
Ponting stood his ground, played his shots, and even played the role of a defensive armour as it appeared South Africa were in a hurry to polish the Australian innings rather quickly. Michael Clarke went he looked good to help Ponting steer Australia out of these shark infested waters, but the potential great white kept lurking all day. Steyn struck the deadly blow and Ponting would not find another partner of worth till Mitchell Johnson lower down the order.
Johnson joined Ponting at the crease even as Australia were staring at the wrong end of the barrel of the gun at seven down for 180. But South Africa had the moves even if Johnson’s forty-three was delaying matters, not to mention adding crucial runs to the Australian scoreboard. Ponting’s runs dried up and it appeared he had dwelled on his century too long. Morne produced a delivery that Ponting could not push forth to Smith who was staring right into his face. To think, had McKenzie held onto the catch with Ponting still on 24 in the first innings, Australia would perhaps have had to stick their head into the ground like an ostrich in kangaroo land.
Ponting’s ninety-nine dismissal was reflected of Australia who had appeared to have their claws into South Africa only to find their own fingers poisoned. Australia’s 247 gave them at least an opportunity consider victory, but it would be difficult considering the fact that they were simply stunned into silence by the South African resilience and have had their backs to the wall for the better part of two days.
For much more mayhem Down Under:
Lone Battles Waged as Australia ‘Siddle’ Up
World Ranklings: Can South Africa-Australia Out beat India-England?
The KFC sponsored AB de Villiers Show
Was Shane Warne Singing the National Anthem?
Australia – Arrogant and Over rated
South Africa Trounce Australia and History With Panache
Can South Africa pull off a “India”?
Time to Let Number Three Breathe
Australia: Heading For a Finish
