First Test Preview - Australia Vs South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg

It's been a brilliant competitive summer and it continues with the return tour between South Africa and Australia, but this time on the Protea's home soil.

South Africa won the last series 2-1 and also dominated in the ODI series winning 4-1 and will be full of confidence. While Australia have struggled in the One Dayers against both New Zealand and South Africa.

Lead Up

South Africa are unnoficially the best team in the world, and will be favourites to take the official mantle of number 1 in this series. They have had some time to rest after the one day series in Australia so they will be full for energy.

Ricky Ponting has come over to South Africa confident that they can regain the trophy. But South African have begun their mind games with Mark Boucher saying that he has enjoyed the demise of Australia, while AB De Villiers has said that Australia will have a torrid time when they bat in the first test.

Australia's warm up game was a draw, with some good signs and bad. The fast bowlers were thumped around the ground in the first innings, while 3 of Australia's players were off the field with gastro. Meaning that some of the coaching staff had to be sub fielders. But among the good signs were Phil Hughes, Marcus North and Simon Katich were among the promising players.

Phil Hughes was solid in the first innings making 24 before making a half century in the century where he then retired to let others have a bat. Marcus North made unbeaten 50s in both innings as well as taking a 6/69 in the 2nd innings of the PXI. He backed up WA coach Tom Moody's claim that he can be used as an all rounder in the team. Simon Katich also made 124 before retiring hurt with a bruised elbow. Spinner Bryce McGain was disappointing, going for over 6 runs an over. He was unable to bowl in the 2nd innings due to him suffering from gastro.

Mitchell Johnson will spearhead the attack with Brett Lee and Stuart Clark still injured. If you don't include Johnson, the likely attack of Bollinger, Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle have a total 5 test matches between them. Which shows a lack of experience for the Australians.

Key Players

South Africa
Graeme Smith

The Skipper was superb against the Aussies, with brilliant decision making out on the field and made a ton of runs. Won the man of the series award despite a niggling elbow injury throughout the tour. Was applauded by many around the world for batting with the elbow injury and a broken finger in the final test. Who knows what he can do if he is fully fit.

JP Duminy

Duminy had an brilliant summer in Australia. He made his mark on the world with a superb 166 in the Boxing Day Test fightback. Not only has he been in the runs, he's also bowled well as a part timer and been brilliant in the field. The Aussies will be looking to try and stop him in this series.

Dale Steyn

Bowled very well, 18 wickets in the test series including a 10 wicket hall at the MCG. Went into the Australian tour with doubts that he could do well against the best, but left as a superstar. He shocked the batsmen and bowled very accurately. He showed that he is a handy batsman as well. He will be dangerous in the bowler friendly conditions at the Wanderers. The openerers will need to be weary.

Australia

Ricky Ponting

He has a knack of scoring a hundred at the start of a series. The skipper will be looking to lead from the front when he bats either on day one or two in the first test. Made 101 and 99 in the Boxing Day test last year and if he makes a big one, it will he a long way towards giving Australia the edge for a victory. But of course, he will need help from the other batsmen. He can't do it on his own.

Phillip Hughes

Earmarked has a future star, the 20 year old has torn up the domestic competition this summer. He batted well in the tour match and everyone will be excited for him when he gets his baggy green cap. He will very nervous when he goes out to bat for the first time, but with confidence as high as his, he can do anything.
Mitchell Johnson

The fast bowler struggled early on in his career for Australia, but finally showed everyone what he can do with such a wonderful summer. Seems to have the ability to get batsmen to go fishing at his wide deliveries. He can bowl ordinary spells, but then all of the sudden will bowl a pearler to get rid of the batsman. Surprisingly he will be the spearhead of the attack with Brett Lee and Stuart Clark out.

The Verdict

Both teams will come out firing. One to regain their credibility as an aggressive, strong team. While the other will be looking to gain the number 1 status. Australia could field 3 debutants in the team, showing a lack of experience on their part. My tip is South Africa to win in another competitive game.

South Africa by 4-6 Wickets/50-100 runs.

2008/09 Australian Summer in Review - Limited Overs

This is the final part of a three part series for the Australian Cricket Team.

After a very competitive test series, it was time for the Twenty20s and ODIs. The Australians were confident that they could bounce back after their 3rd test win.

First up were the T20s and Australia won both games easily. In the first game, Australia won by 52 runs in front of a massive crowd. There was one man who helped them gain that victory. The new sensation in David Warner. He hammered 89 from 43 balls which included 6 huge sixes into the MCG crowd. He was earmarked as a future one day superstar. A bit too soon one might think after his fall from grace later in the summer.

The 2nd T20 was at the Gabba and it was also the farewell to a legend. Matthew Hayden announced his retirement earlier in the day. He recieved a lap of honour which involved a lot of emotion as Queensland farewelled one of their own.

Australia comfortable chased down a target of 159 thanks to 53 from Mike Hussey and 40 from Cameron White. One of the highlights of the game was JP Duminy. He made 69, but it was his catch that had everyone amazed. Running back towards the boundary looking back over his head, he took a brilliant sliding catch which reminded everyone of Steve Waugh's ripper back at the MCG many years ago.

The first ODI was played at the MCG where Australia made a competitive total of 271. Shaun Marsh bounced back to form with a solid 79, while David Hussey made 52. Australia looked like they had the win when South Africa were 7/221. But Albie Morkel, captain Johan Botha and the help of a powerplay brought them home. The Australian's unable to combat Morkel's brilliant power where one of his shots went so far back that it went down one of the crowd tunnels.

Game 2 was much the same with Australia making 249 thanks to 78 from Shaun Marsh and 64 from Ricky Ponting. But this time the victors were Australia. South Africa left their chase too late, despite being able to hit the Australian bowlers to the boundary in the last 5 overs.

South Africa won the 3rd game comfortably with 3 overs to spare despite Warner's return to form with 69. Australia were thumped in game 4, making only 222 in the first innings and having it chased down with 12 overs to spare and 8 wickets in hand. The final game was Australia's chance to hold on to the World number 1 title. If they lost, South Africa became official World Number 1 in ODIs. South Africa made 288 and Australia could only manage 249 in reply, giving South Africa the new status as number 1 in the World.

New Zealand came over with a whole lot of confidence after witnessing Australia being thumped by the South Africans. The first game was a thriller. Australia batted first at the WACA and were bowled out for a low 188. But the Kiwis struggled in reply 4/64. But they were able to sneak home by 2 wickets thanks to a last ball boundary from Daniel Vettori.

Ricky Ponting was controversially rested for the 2nd game, drawing many criticisms from many saying that the captain should not be rested when the series is still alive. Shaun Marsh was also out of the series after injuring his hamstring. Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin were promoted up the order. Clarke made a very good 98 in Australia's modest total of 225. The Kiwis never looked threatened in the chase, reaching the target with an over and 6 wickets in hand.

Dave Warner was dropped for the 3rd ODI after some poor form. Brad Haddin became opener and made a superb 109 in Australia's 301 in the 3rd ODI at the SCG. Ricky Ponting was rushed back into the side and the Aussies won by 32 runs and kept the series alive despite a hundred from Grant Elliot.

Australia levelled the series at Adelaide, chasing down 244 set by the kiwis. The Hussey brothers helping Australia win the game with 79 for David and 75 for Michael.

The 5th ODI was sadly a rain affected one. The decider was reduced to 22 overs before being reduced again to 20 overs in New Zealands innings. Australia posted 168 after some awesome hitting from opener Brad Haddin and middle order batsman Callum Ferguson. Rain in the innings interval reduced the total to 156 from 20 overs. Australia were on track for a win, skittling the top and middle order to have them 6/73. But the game turned on its head when Guptill and Diamanti put on a big partnership. At 6/123 and with 6 overs left to make their total, rain fell again and this time the players could not get back on the field. Meaning that Australia tied the series at 2-2 and retaining the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

New Zealand went into the T20 talking it up as the unofficial decider. But it meant nothing as they fell just 1 run short in their chase and had to go home empty handed.

Australia Votes

Dave Warner 4/10 - Became the new golden boy after his whirlwind 89. Could only manage one more half century in his next 8 matches. Needs to learn a defensive side to his game.

Shaun Marsh 7/10 - Was good in the first 3 ODIs against South Africa before struggling later. Injured his hamstring against New Zealand.

Ricky Ponting 6/10 - Was good in the SA One Dayers, but struggled against New Zealand.

Michael Clarke 7/10 - Was injured for most of the SA series but came back well against New Zealand.

Michael Hussey 8/10 - Had a very good series. Played some crucial innings against New Zealand.

David Hussey 6/10 - Was dissapointing for most of the series against both teams. Played a couple of good innings.

Cameron White 3/10 - Was poor. Highlight was 40 in the 2nd T20 against South Africa.

Brad Haddin 8/10 - Was quiet for the first part of the one dayers, but played brilliantly when promoted to the top of the order.

James Hopes 7/10 - Bowled quite well, taking 12 wickets. Made a couple of handy contributions.

Mitchell Johnson 6/10 - Was economical in the NZ ODIs, and bowled well.

Ben Hilfenhaus 4/10 - Bowled poorly for the majority of the matches. Had 2 series that he'd rather forget.

Nathan Bracken 8/10 - He was brilliant for the series. Only had 1 or 2 poor games, but overall was very good at the death.

Shaun Tait 5/10 - Was disappointing. Seemed to be lacking fitness. Could only bowl in 2 over spells before he got tired or wayward.

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.

2008/09 Australian Summer in Review - Kiwi Tests

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

It's been a summer of thrills and spills. There have been the highs; great catches, brilliant innings and superb bowling spells. But there has also been the lows; Australia's first series defeat in 16 years, a 3rd straight home summer ODI loss and many off field dramas.

Coming off a 2-0 loss to India, Australia were under pressure from the media, with more and more critics suggesting that Australia's title as number 1 was under a heap of pressure from India and South Africa. It all started back in Novemeber with the two test series against New Zealand. Australia won the two tests easily; winning by 149 runs at the Gabba, and by an innings in Adelaide.

The summer started off well for Michael Clarke, scoring 98 and 110 in the 2 matches. While opener Simon Katich further assured his spot in the Australian side with a brilliant 131. But it was the persistance of Brad Haddin that was the story of the series. Haddin struggled in the West Indies and India, with both bat and the gloves. He only had a high score of 45 going into that New Zealand test and his keeping was coming under question. The pressure was so good, that many were only giving him until the end of the summer to prove his spot. And that he did, scoring a brilliant 169 against the Kiwis to send all the doubters packing.

Matthew Hayden struggled once again, putting more and more pressure on his position in the team. In the first test, he made 8 in the first innings before throwing his wicket away and then got an absolute pearler in the 2nd to recieve a first ball duck. The 2nd test was Hayden's 100th and he looked in superb touch before he ran himself out for 24. This to many was Hayden's chance to make a ton and get back in form, but poor judgment cost him.

On the bowling side of things, all 3 frontline pacemen bowled well. Clark bowled well taking 7 wickets, while Mitchell Johnson was the bowler of the series, taking 14 wickets. Brett Lee was under pressure during the series after a poor Indian tour, and bowled well without much luck. He took his 300th test wicket at the Gabba and bowled himself into some form with a 5 wicket haul in Adelaide.

Jason Krejza was controversially dropped for the first test after taking 13 wickets in his debut test in India, before rolling his ankle before the 2nd test. This gave Nathan Hauritz a chance, who did well taking 4 wickets.

One of those wickets produced a catch by Ricky Ponting which will go down in the history books as one of the best slips catches ever taken. Ponting jumped parallel from the ground to take the ball where a regulation 3rd slip would be.

For the Kiwis, there wasn't much to take from the series. Tim Southee bowled well in the first test, but struggled in the 2nd. Chris Martin and Daniel Vettori were also solid performers. Taylor was the pick of the batsman for New Zealand, making starts in all bar one innings with a high score of 75. Keeper Brendon McCullum struggled with the bat in the first test before making a decent 84 in Adelaide. He did well with the gloves taking 9 catches.

Australian Votes

Matthew Hayden 3/10 - Struggled all series. Looked good in Adelaide before throwing his wicket away. Also dropped a simple catch in the first test.

Simon Katich 7/10 - Made a brilliant 131 in Australia's low 2nd innings total at the Gabba. Looked very good and fielded well.

Ricky Ponting 6/10 - Got starts in all innings but couldn't go on to make a big score. Highlight was his catch at slip off Brett Lee.

Michael Hussey 6/10 - Same as Ponting. Made starts but couldn't make a century. High score of 70 in Adelaide.

Michael Clarke 8/10 - Named player of the series, he was brilliant scoring 98 in Brisbane before making 110 in Adelaide.

Andrew Symonds 4/10 - Was controversially brought back in the team but couldn't make his mark. Struggled with the bat and ball. Just took the 1 wicket for the series.

Brad Haddin 7/10 - Proved doubters wrong with a brilliant 169. Keeping was good, but not his best.

Brett Lee 6/10 - Bowled well without much luck. Took his 300th wicket and took a 5 wicket hall in Adelaide.

Mitchell Johnson 7/10 - Was the pick of the bowlers taking 14 wickets. Took 9 wickets in the first test including a 5 wicket hall.

Nathan Hauritz 5/10 - Bowled well in his only test. Was economical taking 4 wickets.

Stuart Clark 6/10 - Took 7 wickets for the series. Bowled very well in the first test before being without luck in the 2nd.

Shane Watson 2/10 - Had a very good tour of India but couldn't back it up at the Gabba. Got dropped after failing with bat. Took 2 wickets.

A 'Marvellous' Innings comes to an end.

The man in The Cream, The Bone, The White, The Off-White, The Ivory and The Beige bids farewell.

Richie Benaud, a man of great wit and cricket knowledge has decided he will pull stumps on cricket commentary at the end of next summer, ending a career that will have spanned 46 years.

Speaking on Sydney Radio's 2GB, Benaud told listeners of his plans to hang up the mic. "I'll be doing Australian cricket next year, 2010, but I don't do any television at all anywhere else now and when I finish next year, then I'll be doing other things... That'll be no more television commentary."

The leader of Channel Nine's commentary team has been the voice of cricket to millions around Australia and all over the world for over 30 years. If you mentioned cricket, I bet you that a lot of people would say Richie Benaud. Such is significance of the man.

Richie has been involved in the media for more than half his life, most of that has involved commentating for Australia's Channel 9 and England BBC and Channel 4 telecasts.

He began in 1956, that as a columnist for a British tablod called News of the World. Benaud started commentary way before he retired, beginning radio commentary in 1960 for the BBC. A whole 4 years before he retired. A man who has seen so much cricket would have seen so many players. He labelled Sachin Tendulkar as the best batsman he has ever seen behind Sir Don Bradman. He also released his all time XI, which included Aussies Bradman, Lillee Gilchrist and Warne.

The man was a brilliant leader. He captained his country for 28 tests, and was a very good legspinner. He took 248 wickets, and was handy with the bat making over 200 runs at over 24. As captain, he never lost a series. 3 of those being the Ashes.

His commentary was so good that even brought Billy Birmingham his success for mimicking him and the rest of the channel 9 commentary team through "The 12th Man." It is well known that Benaud has a low opinion of the recordings due to profanities. He has also been impersonated by many around the world. Some poor, some brilliant.

Even though his time in the box in the last couple of years have been short, and the fact he has been taken over by Mark Nicholas to present the telecast, he will always be in our eyes the heart and soul of cricket commentary.

'Super effort that'.

Haddin takes his chance at the top of the order

When Shaun Marsh was injured, and Dave Warner was dropped, Brad Haddin jumped at the opportunity to bat up the order with open hands. He has not let us down.

In the 2nd ODI at the MCG against the Kiwis he was moved up to number 3, but struggled in his 12. In the next game, he replaced Dave Warner and made a superb 109 to help Australia win. Haddin was in brilliant form at the Adelaide oval, making 43 but was run out in dramatic circumstances when he looked like going on for another big score. He then made a blistering 88* last night in the rain affected decider at the Gabba.

Haddin's superb form at the top of the order reminds everyone of Steve Waugh's decision to move Adam Gilchrist up to the top of the order some 10 years ago. He made a hundred in his 2nd innings and cemented his spot as opener until the end of his career. Haddin looks to have done the same thing.

He opened the batting early in his one day career for Australia, but didn't capitalize on his chances. He has grabbed this chance at the first bite and he doesn't seem to want to let it go. And Steve Waugh believes that Haddin can fill the role. "He's well suited up the top of the order, a bit like Adam Gilchrist", he said. Haddin told ABC radio last night that he likes opening. "I enjoy the top of the order, I did it years ago for NSW and maybe I gave the selectors something to think about", he said.

Haddin certainly has the technique to fill the role. He can attack from the start, in the same fashion that Adam Gilchrist did so often over the years. He can also play the conservative role, and build and innings when the bowling is tight, and then attack later on. This is what he did in his brilliant knock of 109. He struggled early, but was able to make up for that by scoring quick runs later on in his innings.

One of the main concerns about Haddin being Australia's choice as an opener is whether is keeping will suffer. His keeping so far for Australia has been good, but not great and it is not really known yet how he will go after keeping for 50 overs, and then opening the batting in this hectic schedule that Australia has.

Adam Gilchrist was able to carry the workload, scoring 9200 runs in 260 matches, while also taking 416 catches with 54 stumpings. He credited his ability of not getting injured and being able to open the batting and keep for 50 overs to his wife who is a dietitian.

There have been many keepers that have opened the batting or batted up the order. Of the current players, Kumar Sangakkara and MS Dhoni have both opened the batting, the former averaging 41 and scoring 4 hundreds. While Dhoni has made a 96 in his 2 stints at the top. There is also New Zealand keeper Brendon McCullum who averages 34 as opener, 6 runs better than when he bats lower in the order.

Haddin's biggest test will be his next 12 months, where he tours South Africa, Pakistan, England and India. That will be made tougher if his position at the top of the order is cemented. He will captain Australia tomorrow in the T20 against New Zealand at the SCG before they jet off to South Africa next week.

Phillip Hughes gets his chance in SA

In the end it was a battle of Phil versus Phil, and this time it was the Hughes variety that won. Today he was chosen in the 14 man squad to tour South Africa, making it almost certain for him to become Baggy Green test cap number 407.

If Hughes is chosen, he'll be the youngest Australian player to debut since Craig McDermott when he debuted way back in 1984 at the age of 19. Hughes has dominated in his short career at the Blues, averaging 60.38 with 5 hundreds and 10 half centuries. This season has been nothing short of exceptional for Hughes, scoring 963 runs with 4 centuries and 4 half centuries at an average of 68.78. Only bettered by State Player of the Year Michael Klinger. His brilliant form resulted in him being awarded the Bradman Young Player of the Year award at this year's Alan Border medal.

He made his mark on the country when he scored his debut hundred in last year's Pura Cup Final, becoming the youngest ever player to do so in a final. That sparked his brilliant form this summer in which he has had his great form.

Since Hayden retired, the talk was which Phil will go to South Africa? Hughes or Jacques. But it seems that Jaqcues hasn't quite recovered from his back injury, so the selectors went for Hughes. This selection is a sign of Australia looking to the future to try and rebuild the team. He was chosen alongside Victorian Bryce McGain and West Australian Marcus North in the 14 man squad. But it's not like they are just taking him over for some experience. He has the goods as he has proved this summer, and he has showed that he is the 2nd best opener in the country at this present time.

He will hopefully be the new fresh of young blood that the Australian team needs to turn around their horrible summer. He is debuting at an important time in Australian cricket. They have a horribly jam-packed 12 months, with tours of South Africa, Pakistan, England and India to come. With the Australians needing a break, new faces in the squad is the 2nd best thing that can happen.

Clarke and Ponting win the AB Medal

Vice Captain Michael Clarke and a shocked skipper Ricky Ponting won the Alan Border medal last night in the first ever tie in the medal ceremony's 10 year history.

Ponting and Clarke were tied on 41 votes at the end, 3 ahead of Michael Hussey and were well ahead of pre-medal favorite Mitchell Johnson and opening batsman Simon Katich who both ended up in 4th place at 30 votes. But the night will be remembered for the dress that Mitch Johnson's girlfriend wore. It was made by the same people who made Rebecca Twigley's dress from 5 years ago. The dress didn't leave much to the imagination and raised eyebrows of many.

In the actual award ceremony Nathan Bracken won One Day player of the year, beating Michael Hussey by 1 vote. Michael Clarke took out the test player of the year award, winning by 2 votes ahead of Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting. Michael Klinger dominated state player of the year award, taking out the award by over 40 votes. Phillip Hughes also took out Bradman young cricketer of the year award, capping off a wonderful summer that could result in him getting a position in the squad to go to South Africa while Women's Cricketer of the year went to Shelley Nitschke. Steve Waugh was inducted into the Hall of fame, joining 29 others including the likes of Bradman, Trumper and Benaud.

There was no count back for the major award, meaning Ponting and Clarke had to share the medal. Ponting was shocked to win his 4th AB medal. "This is an amazing shock to me. I've been sitting back all night just waiting for Pup or Mitch to get up and accept the award," Ponting said. He scored 1283 runs at an average of 37.74 in both forms of the game while Clarke scored 1228 runs at an average of 39.61.

Ponting will now be rested for the final 4 games of the one day series against New Zealand, while Clarke will take over. They play their next game on Friday at the MCG and will be looking to break a 4 game losing streak.