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.

Matthew Hayden Retires

Matthew Hayden has retired today, ending a career which spanned 103 tests, 161 ODIs and 9 T20Is. He now joins a big list of players who have retired since the 06/07 Ashes.

In front of many onlookers at the Gabba, Hayden read out a statement, while at times looking he'd get emotional. He thanked his sponsors, backroom staff, his teammates and most importantly his family for helping him throughout his career.

Hayden said that it was picking Tomatoes with his daughter that told him it was time. "I was with Grace at the time... and I said darling, I think I've had enough. I just want to be here." he said.

Hayden will be remembered as one of the most dominant opening batsmen the world has ever seen. He made 8625 runs in tests at an average of 50.24. His highest score of 380 against Zimbabwe was the highest score ever until it was broken a year later by Brian Lara. He scored 30 test centuries, the most by an Australian opening batsman. In ODIs, he made 6133 runs at an average of 43.80 with 10 centuries and a highest score of 181* against New Zealand.

Hayden fought back numerous times during his career, and was able to keep his place in the side. In 2000, he broke into the team after a 3 year hiatus. Captain Ricky Ponting spoke in high praise of his career and the way he could fight back against the odds. "Leading into that last World Cup, his place in the side was under pressure... he actually took it upon himself to reinvent his game at the age of 33 or 34."

In 2005, he scored a century in the final Ashes test at the Oval which saved him from being axed. In 2007, Hayden nearly lost his ODI spot forever, until he made a century against New Zealand at the WACA. He went on to dominate at the World Cup, scoring 659 runs at 73.22 which included 3 centuries, and the fastest ever century by a player in the World Cup.

But there have also been massive periods of dominance, most notably in 2001 when he scored 549 in a 3 match series against India at an average 109.80. This earned him the Allan Border medal for the year and was the first real time that he announced himself as a star opener.

In 2005, Hayden scored 4 centuries in the same amount of games against England, the World XI and the West Indies. Matthew Hayden became the first person to score a thousand runs in 5 consecutive calendar years.

In 2007 he dominated the World Cup, almost winning the player of the series. In the following summer, he dominated against India hitting centuries in the 3 matches that he played in.

Not only do the Australian selectors have to find an opening batsman who can dominate like Hayden, they have to find another person to field at first slip. For many years, Hayden has been superb in that area and in the gully, taking 128 catches in tests, and 68 in ODIs. His brilliant fielding has been a great asset to the Australian team, and they will now need to find someone to fill that position at first slip.

Matthew Hayden was a champion of the game, and will be remembered as one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time. He will be sorely missed.