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AUSTRALIA (2nd innings) Over: 13 II Score: 40/0 ( Warner 23, Cowan 5*) (SA 569/10 and 225/10)
The bails have been taken off to signal the end of the third day’s play in this third and final Test match between Australia and South Africa. The home team are looking to chase a record total of 632 runs to claim the top spot at ICC Test rankings. The win will also be a fitting farewell gift to former captain Ricky Ponting who is appearing in his last ever international game. South Africa would have been extremely happy if they would have plucked a wicket or two but nevertheless should be assured after a mammoth second innings lead. The next two day, provided that Australia manage to bat through the entire fourth day, are going to be quite interesting with the tussle for the best team reaching its decisive end.
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AUSTRALIA (2nd innings) Over: 10 II Score: 28/0 ( Warner 23, Cowan 5*) (SA 569/10 and 225/10)
It has been a sedate start from the Australian team. David Warner has hit four boundaries so far while being watchful at the same time. Surely a good opening stand will go far if Australia harbour any hope to win this Test.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 112 II Score: 569/10 ( Amla 196, Starc 6/154) (AUS: 163/10)
Starc cleans up the tail with the wickets of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in an over. He removed Steyn first with a bouncer that took an edge flying to wicketkeeper Wade, completing his first ever five wicket haul. He later bowled Morne Morkel for naught to return with the figures of 6/154. With this, South Africa’s second innings has ended at 569/10 in 112 overs. Australia will now have to put up an exceptional performance in this third and final Test of the three-match series to claim the contest and the top ranking. It’s a huge task and surely their top order has to fire all guns blazing. Two full days plus 14 overs remaining in the match. Ricky Ponting has fielded for one last time in international cricket. Hope to see some vintage Ponting when he comes to bat in the fourth innings.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 108 II Score: 559/8 ( Philander 10*, Steyn 2*) (AUS: 163/10)
And that’ll be the end of AB de Villiers. He makes room but the ball lands in the gloves of keeper Wade after taking an edge. He scored 169 (184b, 4X21). Starc needs one more for a fiver.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 104 II Score: 539/7 (Villiers 162*, Philander 0*) (AUS: 163/10)
Another wicket goes down. Peterson stays at the crease lasts just three deliveries after being caught Johnson off Mitchell Starc. It was a bouncer from Starc that saw Peterson pulling. The ball went to mid on after taking a top edge and Johnson was alert there to complete his fourth catch of the match. Peterson was out for a duck.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 103 II Score: 538/6 (Villiers 161*, Peterson 0*) (AUS: 163/10)
Mitchell Johnson gets his fourth wicket. End of another good partnership that saw SA adding 102 runs at 7.2 runs/over. Angled outside and Plessis offers his bat. The ball flies low to Clarke at slips after taking an edge. Plessis scored 27 (38b, 4X4).
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 101 II Score: 518/5 (Villiers 145*, Plessis 24*) (AUS: 163/10)
The declaration is coming soon from the SA camp. The speed with which the pair of De Villiers and Plessis is scoring can befool someone into believing that it is an ODI being played in whites! Johnson, who was brought in for another spell after tea has been milked for three boundaries by Faf du Plessis. The lead is now nearing 600. When are they going to declare? They are making this Australian attack look like a bunch of school kids! Can AB score a double ton?
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) (TEA) Over: 96 II Score: 467/5 (Villiers 116*, Plessis 2*) (AUS: 163/10)
Du Plessis, who is otherwise known for his destructive batting in the shorter format, is keeping quiet. However, there is no stopping AB de Villiers who is sending the ball beyond the fence every over. He again used reverse sweep to bring up the last four before tea. This is surely going to become his trademark shot if he keeps on using it too often.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 92 II Score: 451/5 (Villiers 102*, Plessis 0*) (AUS: 163/10)
Hmmm... AB de Villiers just loves to reverse sweep. Doesn’t he? Well his three back to back boundaries scored via reverse sweep should erase any iota of doubt for his affection towards reverse sweeping. Add to it the fact that he was on 89 when the first of the three boundaries came and he brought up his 14th Test century with the same shot off Nathan Lyon. A relief on Villiers face as he raises his bat to accept the applause. A good knock this from him.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 88.5 II Score: 436/5 (Villiers 87*, Elgar 0*) (AUS: 163/10)
Oh dear! Not the greatest start to a Test career for Dean Elgar as he gets a pair on debut. A forgettable match for the southpaw as he is trapped in front by Johnson. The fielding team asks the question and umpire raises the finger. Elgar goes for the review but it conforms what the on-field umpire must have felt. Australians are loving this. But is it too late for any celebrations? Johnson has now three wickets in the second innings. In comes Faf du Plessis.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 88.1 II Score: 436/4 (Villiers 87*, Elgar 0*) (AUS: 163/10)
A masterclass of an innings from Hashim Amla comes to an end. The crowd, the South African team are on their feet. Hashim Amla couldn’t complete a double ton but his brisk knock has ensured that his team will end the second innings with a formidable lead. A length ball from Mitchell Johnson and Amla goes for a drive. The cherry flies to the right of Johnson and his great reflexes come into play as he completes a good one handed catch on follow through. Amla scored 196 (221b, 4X21). Dean Elgar is the new man in.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 87 II Score: 425/3 (Amla 190*, Villiers 82*) (AUS: 163/10)
So, de Villiers is also among the runs. With a six and 11 boundaries he is batting on 82 now. Meanwhile, his partner Amla is racing towards a double century. This match is looking going the Proteas way. Australia will be chasing a world record score now if they have to claim this Test and the series and the no. 1 ranking. A fitting finale it would be for Ricky Ponting if they manage to chase whatever target they are set now. Ponting’s every move in the field is drawing a loud cheer from the crowd considering this is the last time he would be fielding in a Test. Clarke gave him one over and as expected the Gabba crowd gave their 'loud' approval.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 73 II Score: 351/3 (Amla 159*, Villiers 39*) (AUS: 163/10)
AB de Villiers launches Lyon for a biggie over long-on. Had attempted a similar one in the previous over as well but succeeded only now. The lead has been stretched beyond 400 now and Oz skipper Michael Clarke has introduced David Warner into the attack. Can he get the breakthrough?
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) (LUNCH) Over: 66 II Score: 320/3 (Amla 149*, Villiers 18*) (AUS: 163/10)
Another session that goes the Proteas way. They have added 90 runs for the loss of just one wicket. They will be looking for a target of at least 500 as it is just the third day of play and since the pitch has become so good for batting, they won’t be taking any chances.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 63 II Score: 317/3 (Amla 148*, Villiers 16*) (AUS: 163/10)
The lead is now 379 runs. Ricky Ponting’s back to back diving efforts in Lyon’s last over at short midwicket drew a round of applause from the teammates and crowds. Remember, Ponting wasn’t just a prolific batsman or a shrewd captain. He is also known for his terrific fielding. So cricket is going to lose not just a batsman but a captain, fielder, ocassional bowler and well, a personality that was hated and loved alike.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 52 II Score: 287/3 (Amla 135*, Villiers 0*) (AUS: 163/10)
First one of morning for the Kangaroos! They are cheering this and will need more of it in order to stop South Africa from taking a massive second innings lead. Mitchell Starc drops a bouncer and Jacques Kallis hooks. The ball travels straight to fine leg where another Mitchell (Johnson) takes a good catch. Kallis scored 37 (65b, 4X5). In comes AB de Villiers.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 45 II Score: 260/2 (Amla 124*, Kallis 22*) (AUS: 163/10)
Hashim Amla would have been disappointed after being run out in the first innings. He has made for it by scoring a quick century in the second innings as the visitors continue to extend their lead on day 3 of the third Test. This is Amla’s 18th Test century and it came off just 87 deliveries.
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SOUTH AFRICA (2nd innings) Over: 38 II Score: 230/2 (Amla 99*, Kallis 17*) (AUS: 163/10)
The World’s No.1 team has given a clear signal that it won’t settle for anything less than a win with its superior show over their opponent on the second day of the Perth Test.
After bowling out Australia for a meagre 163 runs, South Africa took another step towards retaining their top team status by pounding the bowlers with the scoreboard reading 230/2 after just 38 overs. With this they have already taken a lead of 292 runs.
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First Published: Sunday, December 02, 2012, 08:27