3rd dead Test Match, Aust v SAf @ SCG

[locky801]

Hussey looks like he is swinging at everything


Aust 3/244

lead 362

[Grahaml]

Part of the thinking of any captain aiming for a declaration has to be how long is left. Perhaps 300 might be more than they can muster, but if we'd declared with 4 sessions left, and they survive 4 sessions then they'd have 300 runs no problem. 3 1/2 sessions equates to perhaps 350 runs for most test nations. We can't afford to lose this test. If we can't bowl them out, then so be it but to have them chase down another big target would be devastating for us, and give them enormous confidence. But if we can conjour a win here, hold the #1 ranking for a bit and head to SA with some form and confidence then we are still a chance to win over there.

The big problem SA might have now is Hussey. He was in awful form until today and with some bad bowling he's gotten a start. A 50 heading into the one dayers might be the springboard he needs, and then if we head over with Ponting, Hussey and Clarke all in decent form with Katich looking more and more solid at the top (if only more of those 50s became 100s!), the seamers looking better in this game we still have hope.

[locky801]

As they say Graham whilst theres life, theres hope

[locky801]

RSA now with 5 on the boundary

Aust 3/255


Hussey just put one 12 rows back with a classic what I would call a Slog

[locky801]

Clarke gone, caught well in the seep

Aust 4/257

Clarke gone for 41


Declaration made


376 for RSA to win off of about 120 overs

Surely another 25 to 50 would have been better

[wycbloods]

I am glad to see that the Aussies are still thinking positively with such an attacking declaration. It is easier getting them out if they are playing shots because they feel they can win.

[silicone skyline]

Siddle to bend his back this afternoon.

He's got to hit the deck harder than the Proteas to extract what he did from the day three pitch.

[rod_rooster]

I reckon it's a great declaration. Just dangling that carrot in front of the South Africans and hopefully it will bring them undone. Not having Smith is a huge blow for them. Really they need his to score runs and get them off to a good start but that won't happen here.

[Pup]

Clarke gone, caught well in the seep

Aust 4/257

Clarke gone for 41


Declaration made


376 for RSA to win off of about 120 overs

Surely another 25 to 50 would have been better

No. Good declaration IMO. That is plenty on this pitch.

If they can not contain SA under with no Smith then they dont deserve to win the test.

[am Bays]

I am glad to see that the Aussies are still thinking positively with such an attacking declaration. It is easier getting them out if they are playing shots because they feel they can win.

Agreed, you had to give them a sniff, no point batting tehm out of teh game with a late declaration. Australia have scored 250 in 2 & 1/2 sessions. On that pitch to try and play aggressively and score 375 in 3 & 1/2 sessions will be risky.

[locky801]

RSA have just come in from 27 bucks a win to 12.50


Aust $1.60


oh dear oil has leaked from the roller onto the pitch luckily it's not near the stumps

Morkel to open

[locky801]

RSA 1/2

Bollinger gets his first test wicket

Morkel goes for 0

[wycbloods]

RSA 1/2

Bollinger gets his first test wicket

Morkel goes for 0

I was surprised Amla didn't open it is not as though Morkel was only going out for 3 overs it is over an hour of play left.

[wycbloods]

Good to see Bollinger get his first test wicket.

[The Ash Man]

RSA 1/2

Bollinger gets his first test wicket

Morkel goes for 0

Not a good start to his night watchman career

[locky801]

Aussies looked pumped out there

[FD88]

A win here would set the tone for the limited over stuff.

[Pup]

RSA 1/2

Bollinger gets his first test wicket

Morkel goes for 0

Not a good start to his night watchman career

I dont think he was acting as a genuine night watchman to be honest. It was clear IMO that Amla wanted to stay at 3 and Kallis hates batting at 3 from all reports so it was a matter of sacrificing someone. I think Amla should have got the job.

[locky801]

Speak to any number 3, they hate opening, i remember many years ago an interview with Ian Chappell who was one of the best number 3's he said he hated it when he opened (and stats prove that) says he is a number 3 and thats that, he said even if he came in 2nd ball of the innings it was as though he wasn't opening. Obviously in the mind set


RSA now 1/19

the two at the wicket at the minute not having too many probs

[locky801]

Haddin has dropped a very difficult chance, we need to hold them all