It's In TeH GaMe !!!

The downfall of the Australians continues. Who would thought South Africa could win this match given the fact they looked almost out of the game at the stumps on Day 2. They still managed to pull back into the game, courtesy J.P. Duminy and Dale Steyn. South Africa have now won their first ever test series in Australia - a drought that lasted for almost a century ! The Proteas are now on the verge of dethroning Aussies of their No.1 position if they win the third and the last test match in Sydney beginning from 3rd January 2009.

Proteas are the only side after India beating Australia in back-to-back matches in the last decade. This year will definitely be a forgettable one for Australia. Blame it on the loss of legends like McGrath, Warne and Gilchrist or their loss of consistency ( in other words inconsistency) over the years which cemented their position as the best in the world. But now, the cement seems to be crumbling down.

The only positive for Australia in this game would be Ponting returning back to form. And the negatives ? A lot ! Hayden continues his poor run. Brett Lee and Shane Watson ruled out of the game due to injures. And of course, so many records going against their name.

Before this game Hayden said that he would decide if would retire after this series or not. If I would have been in his place, I would have surely taken retirement from the game. But of course, its all up to him.

Meanwhile, Ponting has become the first Australian captain in 16 years to suffer a series defeat on home soil. Last time Australia lost a series at home was against the West Indies in 1992-93.
I would recommend the selectors to pick a new and young captain. Maybe someone like Michael Clarke will be a good successor of Ponting to do it. We saw it in the only T20 game he captained Australia against the T20 world champions, India in Melbourne last year, Australia completely blanked India in that game. He now has enough experience in international cricket to lead his side well. We have already witnessed youngsters like Dhoni and Smith doing it for their national team. And the result ? They have done phenomenally well, and are of course in the race to become the new world champions.


Rate this Delivery