2008/09 Australian Summer in Review - RSA Tests

This is the second of a three part Summer Review for the Australian Cricket Team.

After the demolition of New Zealand, Australia moved on to the South African series with a whole lot of confidence. But so did South Africa. Graeme Smith's meant came over with the confidence that they could knock off the world champs, but they weren't arrogant about it unlike when they came over in 2006.

They meant business in the first test, showing their intent by having Australia at 3/16 in the first hour of the first day. They were set a record total of 414 to chase. And chase it what they did. Doing it easily with 6 wickets to stare. AB De Villiers and Graeme Smith both scoring match winning hundreds. Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and debutant JP Duminy also contributing with half centuries.

All Australian batsmen bar Hayden and Hussey made starts, but all couldn't go on to make a big century. Brad Haddin made a blistering 94 in the 2nd innings, but was stumped going for a 6 to bring up the ton. Mitchell Johnson was the star for Australia picking up 8 wickets in South Africa's first innings, including a spell of 5/2 from 20 balls at the end of day 2.

Jason Krejza came back for the first test, was smashed in both the first and 2nd innings. He took 1/203 at a run rate of over for and over and was subsequently dropped for the 2nd test. He was replaced by Nathan Hauritz. The decision sparked controversy with many believing Krejza was unlucky to be dropped after 'he had one bad test'.

In Melbourne, Australia dominated the first 2 days, with Ponting picking up his 37th test hundred. Australia made a competitive total of 394 thanks to Michael Clarke and the lower order before Peter Siddle ripped through the top order to have South Africa at 7/184. Matthew Hayden, who was struggling to keep his career alive and Simon Katich were expecting to bat by lunch on the 3rd day. But one of most amazing comebacks by a lower order partnership in test history meant they had to survive 3 tough overs at the end of the day.

JP Duminy, in his 2nd test and strike bowler Dale Steyn put on an amazing 180 run partnership to help South Africa post 459. Duminy made 166, while Dale Steyn made his highest score of 79. Duminy's innings drew comparison's to former legend Brian Lara when scored a mammoth 277 against the Aussies at the SCG at the age of 23 in 1992. That was his maiden test century, as was Duminy's 166.

The Australian's crumbled in the 2nd innings, making only 247. Ponting the only contributor with 99. The South Africans chased it down easily, losing only 1 wicket. The main concerns were that of Brett Lee when it was revealed that he had a broken foot and would be out for more than 6 weeks, and Andrew Symonds who injured his knee. There was also the news that Shane Watson would be out for 6 months would be out for 6 months with a stress fracture in his back. He was expected to return for the Sydney test due to Symond's poor form. The injuries of the 3 players opened the door for 2 players to make their debut.

The win gave South Africa their first ever series win against Australia in Australia, and the Aussie's first series loss in 16 years. The loss singled proved that the era of domination was well and truly over and the time to rebuild had come. South Africa were the unofficial world number ones but could get that official mantle if they won the 3rd test and completed a series sweep.

Both teams were delivered with a bowlers pitch at the SCG. With cracks opening up on the first day. Hometown boy Doug Bollinger made his debut, the left armer rewarded for his efforts in the domestic game, while Victorian all rounder Andrew McDonald was given his baggy green for his good form.

Australia batted first for the 3rd successive time in the series and made a respectful total of 445. Many were talking about retirement for Matthew Hayden and he tried to grind out a long innings, but got out for 31from 78 balls. Michael Clarke continued his great summer with wonderful innings of 138.

Peter Siddle and the Aussie bowlers restricted the South Africa for 327. Siddle blasting through the lower order, and picked up his 5 wicket by bowling keeper Mike Boucher and actually took the stump camera out of the ground. The big news though was the injury to Graeme Smith. He had his left pinky broken by a Mitchell Johnson delivery that reared back off a crack. He was expected to be out for 6 weeks. Smith had battled for the whole series with an injured elbow, but didn't need broken finger to be added to his troubles.

South Africa were set 376 runs to win in just over a day on a pitch that had wide cracks running on a good length on both sides of the wicket. South Africa showed that they were going for the draw, but struggled going to 8/202 when they still needed to survive 25 more overs.

It seemed a certainty that Smith would not bat until Steyn and Ntini were able to bat out 17 overs before the former fell to McDonald. The Australians and the crowd thought they had the victory until Graeme Smith appeared from the dressing rooms with bat in hand. The crowd all stood to show their respect for such a courageous act. Smith had his left hand heavily protected and it was later revealed he had to cut his glove with scissors to fit his hands together.

Ever single delivery he faced was played pretty much one handed, with Smith taking it off the bat at every opportunity. Australia looked like it had thrown away the match when Matthew Hayden dropped a regulation catch at 2nd slip. Graeme looked like he would be the hero, batting with Ntini for 7 overs before Smith was bowled by a Mitchell Johnson delivery that hit a crack and came back. This gave Australia victory, but the talk was all about Smith. He received the Man of the Series award for his brilliant form and captaincy.

The series was amazing to watch, with every match see-sawing every session. It ended up a fitting 2-1 result to South Africa, who were definitely the better team.

Australian Votes

Matthew Hayden 3/10 - Couldn't get the South African bowlers away no matter what he tried. Made his top score of the summer in the final test, but he didn't make the big innings he needed.

Simon Katich 7/10 - Was very without going on to make a hundred. Scored 3 half centuries with a high score of 83.

Ricky Ponting 7/10 - Was brilliant in the 2nd test, and made a good contribution in the final test. Was unlucky not to score back to back hundreds in Melbourne.

Michael Clarke 8/10 - Player of the summer for Australia. He was brilliant, scoring 2 half centuries and a century.

Michael Hussey 4/10 - Had a series that he'd rather forget. Didn't make a 50, finishing the series with a high score of 45*.

Andrew Symonds 5/10 - Injury saved him from being dropped. Made starts in a couple of innings, but couldn't go on with it. High score of 57.

Andrew McDonald 5/10 - Only had 1 chance to bat in his first test, making 15. But was tidy with the ball taking 3 wickets.

Brad Haddin 6/10 - Had a brilliant first test, scoring a blistering 94 but was quiet for the rest of the series.

Mitchell Johsnon 8/10 - Had a wonderful summer, taking 15 wickets. Highlight was his 8 wickets in the first test.

Brett Lee 2/10 - Was poor, taking only 1 wicket for the series before missing the final test with injury. May have been hampered by the same injury for the first 2 tests. Did well with the bat though.

Jason Krejza 2/10 - Got hammered, taking only 1 wicket for 203 runs in Perth. May have been unlucky to be dropped.

Nathan Hauritz 5/10 - Bowled well without looking like a threat. Took 5 wickets for the series. Not sure he is a long term prospect.

Peter Siddle 7/10 - Struggled in Perth but bounced back brilliantly in Melbourne and Sydney picking up 12 wickets.

Doug Bollinger 5/10 - Was unlucky, picking up only 2 wickets. Bowled well.