Australia vs South Africa - Perth

Perhaps not the best start to a summer series that Australia would have liked, but nontheless a draw is better than a loss. Not that that is a positive outlook considering Australia had a 490run 2nd innings lead and should have not only bowled South Africa out, but end the game with more than 5 South African wickets at least. Conceding a 1st innings deficit of 38runs when bowled out for 258, and allowing South Africa to reach 296 in their first innings, Australia put their foot down in the 2nd innings thanks to a superb maiden test hundred of 203 by Brad Hodge that helped Australia to 528. On a 5th day wicket with Shane Warne doing his magical stuff, it should have been a walk in the park to victory for Australia if not for the outstanding 7hour vigil by South African Jacques Rudolph who ended the game 102 not out to seal the draw. It was fantastic hard fought test cricket that makes the remaining two matches all the more exciting.

Luke Gillian 23/12/2005 22:09:36