It was a replication of the second test at MCG on the day 3 of the last test of 3 Mobile tests when South Africa fought back hard with Boucher and Morkel anchoring it. But Peter Siddle ensured that Proteas could not script another comeback by nabbing his first five wicket haul in tests and got rid off last four RSA batsmen within a gap of just 22 balls. Cricket360 thinks that Australia could have faced another day of misfortune if they had not been able to break the partnership between Boucher and Morkel for the sixth wicket which frustrated the home side for a long 115 runs.

Boucher took over the responsibility of sailing their team through pressurized sessions and both he and Morkel were lucky enough too to get their bails in tact even after the ball hit their stumps. Thus Ntini could not register the wicket of Boucher, and Morkel escaped from such a juncture off a Hauritz delivery. But at a live score of 308 Siddle brought the breakthrough of the day by rattling that partnership and further it just took 7 overs and 19 runs for Aussies to wind up the things and enjoy a formidable lead of 118 runs in the 1st innings.

Kallis could add only one run to the overnight score of 125/1 as he edged a Johnson delivery in to the hands of Hyden in the second over itself. Johnson further added to Proteas’ worries when his direct throw found de Villiers going back run out for 11. Before lunch debutant Mc Donald once again rejoiced Aussies by capturing Amla’s wicket who tried to resist with a half century. Pre lunch session found South African score developing cracks at the loss of 3 wickets for 51 runs.

Duminy was not allowed to make a big surprise here like in the last test as his innings was curtailed at a cautiously made 13 runs by Johnson. Score was 193/5 and Proteas were actually suffering a loss of 6 wickets, for their skipper had been injured and retired hurt. But Boucher and Morkel took over the responsibility of the rescuing act and the duo created headache to Ponting’s men. Boucher kept on playing calm and as and when he got opportunity the ball was found kissing the fencing rope. His companion Morkel too was showing extra caution to avoid a big trail and his efforts were bringing cheers to Proteas until the 115th over bowled by Siddle. The cricket score was 308 runs and Siddle broke the middle stump of Morkel in that over to break the partnership for the 6th wicket.

Getting that breakthrough, Australia gripped the control of the situation and started to eradicate the tail end of South Africa within a short span. The demolishing act was handled well by Siddle who captured Harris and Steyn though Boucher was fighting alone at the other end. Boucher smashed 8 boundaries and a maiden six to score 89 runs and then he had to go back leaving the hope of a ton behind when he was bowled out as the last man by Siddle (5 for 59)at a score of 327. Australian bowlers were disciplined this time and even Debutant Mc Donald and Bollinger put up great shows though former had to satisfy with 1 wicket and the latter could not open his test wicket account.

Australia had a brief time out there on the crease and in fact they survived a nasty spell of 6 overs to score 33 runs and thus increased the lead to 151 runs. At the end of the day Australia could think of escaping from a sweep as Cricket360.com finds the pitch showing some sort of damage and with 10 wickets in hand for the 4th day, the hosts can swing things in their way.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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