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Finally Kaahn take the one he dropped. Aus now 157/5 and Harris took his second. Having a ball with 8 overs and 2 for 10. Not a good sign that he get wickets on day 1.
Looks like SA are in the box seat. Aus all out and SA already a quarter of the way to our score with the pitch looking to settle down. Will be a good test for the aus bowlers to keep us in the game. Can't let SA get too far past 300 or it could be ugly.
You'd think in our touring party of 700 we'd have thought to take a spare batsman, or at least a spare keeper then play Haddin as a specialist batsman...
Think we in for a rough ride here. My biggest worry is the turn the spinners are getting on day 1. The "Kaapse Dokter" south easter wind did help Harris a lot. He know it inside out because he learned his cricket at Vishoek, Cape Point side of Newlands and there its blowing every single day.
Have to say Prince look at the moment like a man who want to show something. Still thinking Kallis & JP will be the men on Newlands. If you dont get them early its going to be hard work.
Weatherwise its going to get hotter by the day and no rain in sight.
Ja he has done the hard yards now. SA survive the first session with no futher loss and a long day ahead for the Aussies. They sure miss a Harris in this conditions and just a after thought (maybe it will make NTA post?) Johnson sure look now like NTA description. Just show what a bit of batting agression can do to bowlers. Prince & Amla can cash in now and then you still have Kallis, Duminy, AB and that man Albie to follow. But wait let me not get carried away just yet!
Another big day for our lot. Kallis finally got his ton & Prince a ton and a half. Now this can get totally outta hand if JP & Albie can launch a full blooded attack from session 2. The Aussies need wickets and quick, its going to be hot tomorrow!
Well out of politeness I will post: this is what I hate about Johnson. All the talent in the world, but can't bring it out unless the pitch bends over for him.
Havent watch much cricket today but it look like the Aussies do quite well in their second innings. Great knock by AB and Albie on test debut. The pitch sure look in good stead after a hot day. Dont think it will crumble and hard work ahead for Pointing & kie.
SA is heading to a sure victory. Our slim chances went when Ponting was dismissed.
Disappointing test for Aus. We had an unbalanced line up going in, but still should have performed better. The questions about McGain have been answered and he will go down as one of the worst test debutants ever and its very unlikely there will be any encores.
There are a few specks of gold to be got from the debris of this test. The selectors now know McGain isn't up to it so he gets a line put through his name. For me it's either Krejza or Hauritz, preferably Krejza. And I hope we never despatch such a poorly balanced touring side from Australia's shores again. There'll be more than six batsmen in the Ashes squad for sure, hopefully eight.
What is it about Australian cricketers and dead rubbers?
Mitchell Johnson, top wicket taker for Oz (and jointly with Steyn for the series) and top average for Australia (and third highest run getter behind Hughes and Katich - 5 runs behind Katich, mind).
Still, when Paul Harris cleans up the wickets, you know your batsman have a problem with playing the straight ball.