Australia and South Africa are two teams who have played some magnificent cricket on this tour. Both the teams went back and forth in the ODI series and the first test match was nothing less than an epic encounter. The present test match is once again hanging in the balance as Australia needed 310 runs to win.
They didn’t start off pretty well as Shane Watson was clean bowled for nothing by Philander. While the other opener Philip Hughes was out after scoring 11 runs from 10 balls. Both the wicket was taken by Philander as he was bowling beautifully. His line and length was immaculate as he continuously bowled in the corridor of uncertainty.
Australia was tottering at 19 for 2 when Usman Khwaja and Ricky Ponting were both new at the crease. Both of them started rebuilding the innings as they played some confident shots. The South African bowlers were struggling at the same time as they failed to keep the pressure going.
Ponting used all his confidence along with the youngster Khwaja and put up a hundred run stand. Both of them completed their half centuries in the process. Khwaja was the aggressor as he hit 8 boundaries and a six for his 65 runs. He was finally picked up by the young South African spinner Tahir. But it was not before Australia had reached 142 runs and Ponting was comfortably batting at 54 runs. He was joined by Michael Clarke who only played one single delivery before the day was called off.
Australia still needs 168 runs to win on the last day of the test match. It will be a difficult task for them as the pitch will start deteriorating. The South African bowlers will be tested tomorrow so will be the Australian batting. This match seems to be turning out into another ripper.
