For the first time in all the sessions of 3 Mobile Test Series, Cricket360 could find Australia in an aggressive mood on the 4th day of the last test. Resuming from the overnight score of 33/0, all the batsmen who got a chance to play, contributed well to set a challenging total. Ponting dared to challenge the visitors to prove their worthiness by declaring at 257 runs when Clarke was dismissed. He might have thought of the difficulties that may occur in playing on a tore pitch on the last day. The aggressiveness was paid immediately as they could snatch Morkel who had come to play in place of Smith as opener. Further an unbeaten partnership between officiating captain, McKenzie and Amla made the finishing of the test series worth to watch. For a test series which has much more implications, for the Australians would have to hand over the top spot among test teams to the visiting South Africans if they face a defeat; this would be the apposite finish.

Australia was looking more a rejuvenated side today and that is evident from the score board also. Hayden was batting well showing some glimpses of his earlier form and it had downturns also. He tried the maximum to post an ample score but at 39 dragged a ball from Morkel on to the sticks to end a 62 run stand for the opening wicket. That could probably be his last international test innings and the veteran batsman was given a respectable sent off by the crowd. Then Ponting came to shoulder the task and was gifted with a four off a Morkel delivery that kissed the inside edge of his bat after he had left the ball. But from there onwards he showed much aggression and scored very easily. He thundered 9 fours and completed his half century and at 51 he was never expected to get out, played on off Morkel. He shared a 72 runs partnership with Katich, who on the other side was in fabulous form. Hussey got inspiration from the innings of his companion and was cautiously laying foundation for a long innings. Katich was surprised along with bowler Steyn when he was given LBW for which only keeper Boucher had appealed. His innings lasted for 61 runs and the cricket score was 181/3 then.

Clarke, the man in form was with some mission and unlike in the previous innings he scored fast in an attempt to build a high total within a short time. The plan was executed well by him while Hussey at the other end was moving ahead slowly. Clarke accumulated 41 runs off 77 balls enabling a 76 runs partnership for the 4th wicket. Then he was trapped by Amla off a Harris delivery at a score of 257 runs. Ponting waved off his hands to indicate the declaration with Hussey remaining unbeaten at 45.

South Africa was given a target of 376 runs to register another win and sweep off the 3 mobile Test Series. Without Smith to open the innings, Proteas called Morkel to pad up along with McKenzie. The move failed miserably in the 2nd over itself with Morkel serving Bollinger with his first test wicket at a live score of 2 runs. Amla and McKenzie but did not allow Aussies to further enjoy throughout the 26 over stay till the end of play on day4. South Africa finished with 62/1 with McKenzie and Amla on the crease with 25 and 30 runs respectively. The visitors needed 314 more runs on the final day to get enthroned with the best test team’s cap. Cricket360.com finds the match shaping up in to such a situation that it could be anybody’s cup of tea on the last day.

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

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