Whose to blame for it ?
101.3 McGain to de Villiers, 1 run, clipped off the legs to the long-leg region. 100 up for McGain. This is the worst economy rate in Test history.
Here's a look at his beautiful figures -
And probably most of you might call this guy an idiot. But honestly, it's not completely his fault. The batsmen are mostly becoming aggressive and they do target a particular bowler even in test cricket. Though I haven't seen a single ball being bowled in this game, but from my experience I would say that even the hitting standards are increasing match by match. Now, if you have a look at previous test encounters around 2002, the average run rate of a strong batting team like South Africa would be around 2.50-3.80. But now teams try to score at a brisk pace of at least 4 runs per over. Secondly, how can we forget that it McGain's first game.
Bowlers O M R W Econ *BE McGain (lbg) 11.0 2 102 0 9.27 (0nb, 0w) -
What are your opinions on bowlers giving a century of runs ?
Whatta Match !!! There's excitement again !
It's just one of those Australia-South Africa games where 90% this is sure to happen. Though victory is still a far sight for the Saffas, but they have a good chance of getting away with a draw. Who expected such a great fight by South Africa lead by Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers ? I mean, of course there are great partnerships which take the game away from your opposition...but how often does it happen.
It would actually be a shame for the Aussies if they let go this chance out of their hands. Probably they were missing the services of McGain.
Whatever it is...the match is now slightly evenly poised. Australia still has the chance to bowl out South Africa while they face a daunting task of chasing 302 runs more to complete what would be known as a record chase or at least settle for the draw. I am pretty sure that if Kallis and De Villiers can stay together till at least mid session after lunch, Australia would have to settle for a draw.
Bodyline tactics ?
24.5 Johnson to Kallis, no run, do we have another injury here, not a pretty sight! Short on middle, struck Kallis on the jaw from under the helmet, he's in pain and is bleeding, the physio is out and it may take some time before he's back on his feet. Lethal delivery that.
2.1 Johnson to Smith, 1 run, ripper, banged in short at 150.9 kmph, raps him hard on the gloves and lobs in the direction of square leg, superb bowling
Are we going to see another Bodyline series with this time Australia on the giving end ? Anyway, the Proteas seem to have lost their way with the day 2 ending completely under Australia's control.
Who do you say ? Have the Aussies shown that they are still the best or does it still require some more time to prove it ?
Solid, Stupid Saffas Slump
How often does a champion team like South Africa fall down like this ?-
| 0.3 | Johnson to McKenzie, OUT, what a start for Australia, short of a length outside off and moved away, McKenzie tried to defend that off the back foot, got a thin edge to Haddin who took a good catch stretching to his right |
ND McKenzie c  Haddin b Johnson 0 (1m 3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00 | |
| South Africa 0/1 GC Smith 0* (0b) MG Johnson 0.3-0-0-1 | |
| 0.5 | Johnson to Amla, OUT, he's given him, the hosts are reeling here! Swung in sharply, landed on middle and leg and seemed to strike him in line, at least to the naked eye, as he tries to flick that away, Rauf raises his finger but Amla is not convinced. He's called for a referral, but replays suggest he is stone dead. |
| HM Amla lbw b Johnson 0 (6m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00 | |
| South Africa 0/2 GC Smith 0* (0b) MG Johnson 0.5-0-0-2 | |
| 2.3 | Johnson to Kallis, 1 run, short on middle, turns it away wide of midwicket for a single |
| GC Smith retired hurt 2 (3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66 | |
| South Africa 3/2 JH Kallis 1* (7b) MG Johnson 1.3-1-2-2 | |
| 5.3 | Hilfenhaus to de Villiers, OUT, they've gone silent again, this was absolutely plumb, landed on a good length on the off stump and cut back in sharply, de Villiers didn't anticipate that movement as he came forward to defend that on the off side, was rapped on the pads in front of middle. He knew he was out, didn't call for a referral. South Africa are in deep trouble now as Hilfenhaus joins the party |
| AB de Villiers lbw b Hilfenhaus 3 (13m 8b 0x4 0x6) SR: 37.50 | |
Not even 6 overs and 3 wickets already lost! Truly shows that Australia are back in the competition to be the Numero Uno.
What are your opinions on it ?
