Aussies Retain No 1 Test team in the world ranking

The second test in Durbin South Africa came to a conclusion overnight EDT. Australia won by a massive 175 runs. Putting their stamp on the No 1 position for a test team in the world. On reflection this is an absolutely brilliant outcome. I mean lets face it if you read my previous posts predating the tour of South Africa, all the way up until the actual first test. I was in serious doubt of this side being able to even challenge South Africa. I seriously thought that the selectors had got it all wrong. I have been made to eat my words, quite frankly I am very happy that is the case. I think all the players that were selected and played in the test matches showed their worth in one way or another, even if they did not perform with the bat they did with the ball or in the field. We also have to take into account what they do off the field that helps others in the side. They say in battle that the plan is followed right up till the first shot is fired, well that would be the same with cricket. Its in the lulls that you take stock and close your basic pouch etc, so the Aussies did in the series. They held to their patience and survived the good bowling and in the lull where the bad balls came the took stock and punished them. Well done lads, really looking forward to the Twenty20 matches and one day games that are coming up. For a full list of these games look at the bottom of the blog page above the stick cricket game, I have listed all up coming games there. So now to the stats or the updated stats I will post them below.

Australia 2nd Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	12b, 2lb, 4nb, 0wd					18
Total	5 wickets (dec) , 94.4 overs					331
Hughes, PJ	c:Morkel b:Ntini	160	376	323	15	3
Katich, SM	c:Harris b:Kallis	30	71	47	4	1
Ponting, RT	c:McKenzie b:Morkel	81	189	106	12	0
Hussey, MEK	c:Kallis b:Duminy	19	53	50	2	0
Clarke, MJ	not out	23	68	39	2	0
North, MJ	c:de Villiers b:Steyn	0	8	7	0	0
Haddin, BJ
McDonald, AB
Johnson, MG
Siddle, PM
Hilfenhaus, BW

So the Aussies Declared 5/331 Leaving the South African's with 500 odd runs to chase.

FOW:

1-55 ( Katich, 15.6 ov), 2-219 ( Ponting, 64.3 ov), 3-260 ( Hussey, 78.5 ov), 4-330 ( Hughes, 93.1 ov), 5-331 ( North, 94.4 ov)

South Africa 2nd Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	9b, 15lb, 10nb, 3wd					37
Total	10 wickets , 132.2 overs					370
Amla, HM	c:Ponting b:Siddle	43	124	82	8	0
McKenzie, ND	c:Haddin b:Siddle	31	95	78	5	0
Kallis, JH	c:Ponting b:Johnson	93	246	175	13	0
de Villiers, AB	c:Haddin b:Siddle	84	234	199	9	0
Duminy, JP	c:Haddin b:Hilfenhaus	17	76	45	3	0
Boucher, MV	c&b:North	25	158	107	1	0
Harris, PL	c:Siddle b:Katich	5	18	15	0	0
Morkel, M	c:Haddin b:Katich	24	101	78	4	0
Steyn, DW	st:Haddin b:Katich	7	27	22	0	0
Ntini, M	not out	4	6	3	1	0
Smith, GC	asbsent injured:	0	0	0	0	0

FOW:

- ( Smith, ov)1-63 ( McKenzie, 22.2 ov), 2-80 ( Amla, 28.5 ov), 3-267 ( Kallis, 85.5 ov), 4-279 ( de Villiers, 88.6 ov), 5-299 ( Duminy, 101.2 ov), 6-307 ( Harris, 105.2 ov), 7-345 ( Boucher, 125.3 ov), 8-363 ( Morkel, 130.5 ov), 9-370 ( Steyn, 132.2 ov),

Now lets look at the bowling and to our surprise Ricky Pointing Actually bowled Simon Katich what the hell is going on here and would you look what happened....hmmmmmm no less than 3 wickets fell to him.....

Bowling	O	M	R	W	Wd	Nb
Bowlers Name	Overs Bowled	Maiden Overs	Runs Against	Wickets Taken	Wides Bowled	No Balls
Johnson, MG	33.0	9	78	1	0	1
Hilfenhaus, BW	24.0	4	79	1	3	5
Siddle, PM	28.0	12	61	3	0	2
McDonald, AB	16.0	3	47	0	0	2
North, MJ	20.0	6	36	1	0	0
Katich, SM	11.2	1	45	3	0	0

In Wrap up well done to the Aussies, commiseratons to the Proteas. They are a worthy opponent. We all know without them challenging Australia then we would not have the serie's we have had over the last few months. I look forward to the Twenty20 games and the One day ones coming up. Thanks for all who follow my blog and even those who pop in for a quick visit. Thanks to Foxsports 3 for showing the Aussies and for when I fell asleep thanks to Cricket Australia for having readily available information I missed.

Australian Side Continues to Damage the Proteas

Mitchell Johnson again sent the proteas players to the hospital with damaging bowling and body parts. The Australian openers have posted a good score again and Australia looks set to win again. The little man Hughes is having a great knock on 136 not out with Michael ClarkE also not out at stumps on Day 3. I would really like to see Mike Hussey post a good score to rub it into the South African's some more. Especially after Mike and Steyn had words after Steyn hit Mike in the helmet with the ball. The score cards and fall of wickets are listed below.

South Africa 1st Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	10b, 12lb, 1nb, 0wd					23
Total	9 wickets , 57.3 overs					138
McKenzie, ND	c:Haddin b:Johnson	0	1	3	0	0
Smith, GC	retired hurt:	2	23	3	0	0
Amla, HM	lbw:Johnson	0	6	2	0	0
Kallis, JH	c:Ponting b:McDonald	22	117	78	5	0
de Villiers, AB	lbw:Hilfenhaus	3	13	8	0	0
Duminy, JP	not out	73	241	152	11	0
Boucher, MV	b:Johnson	1	8	9	0	0
Harris, PL	b:McDonald	4	69	46	0	0
Morkel, M	b:McDonald	2	8	3	0	0
Steyn, DW	c:Haddin b:Siddle	8	59	41	1	0
Ntini, M	lbw:Siddle	0	1	1	0	0

FOW:

- ( Smith, ov), 1-0 ( McKenzie, 0.3 ov), 2-0 ( Amla, 0.5 ov), 3-6 ( de Villiers, 5.3 ov), 4-62 ( Boucher, 26.6 ov), 5-104 ( Harris, 41.4 ov), 6-104 ( Kallis, 41.6 ov), 7-106 ( Morkel, 43.3 ov), 8-138 ( Steyn, 57.2 ov), 9-138 ( Ntini, 57.3 ov)

Australia 2nd Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	6b, 2lb, 4nb, 0wd					12
Total	3 wickets , 87.0 overs					292
Hughes, PJ	not out	136	358	301	12	2
Katich, SM	c:Harris b:Kallis	30	71	47	4	1
Ponting, RT	c:McKenzie b:Morkel	81	192	106	12	0
Hussey, MEK	c:Kallis b:Duminy	19	57	50	2	0
Clarke, MJ	not out	14	34	22	2	0

FOW:

1-55 ( Katich, 15.6 ov), 2-219 ( Ponting, 64.3 ov), 3-260 ( Hussey, 78.5 ov),

Now to the bowling lets check out the bowling figures shall we.
Australia

Bowling	O	M	R	W	Wd	Nb
Bowlers Name	Overs Bowled	Maiden Overs	Runs Against	Wickets Taken	Wides Bowled	No Balls
Johnson, MG	16.0	5	37	3	0	0
Hilfenhaus, BW	11.0	2	28	1	0	1
McDonald, AB	12.0	4	25	3	0	0
Siddle, PM	13.3	6	20	2	0	0
North, MJ	4.0	3	6	0	0	0
Clarke, MJ	1.0	1	0	0	0	0

South Africa

Bowling	O	M	R	W	Wd	Nb
Bowlers Name	Overs Bowled	Maiden Overs	Runs Against	Wickets Taken	Wides Bowled	No Balls
Steyn, DW	12.0	1	59	0	0	0
Ntini, M	11.0	1	38	0	0	0
Morkel, M	14.0	1	60	1	0	4
Kallis, JH	8.0	0	21	1	0	0
Harris, PL	31.0	8	68	0	0	0
Duminy, JP	11.0	1	38	1	0	0

I must admit that I have enjoyed this match, it has had a lot of heat in it from both camps. Yet again the Aussies manage to damage the Proteas pride not only in runs but managing to break Graeme Smiths hand again and almost taking Kallis's Head off. Even if Australia win this test, the third and final match is going to be an absolute blinder or all in brawl.

Keep reading and if you like join this blogs followers Cheers.

Australia in Commanding Position in 2nd Test vs South Africa in Durbin

Australia 1st Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	6b, 4lb, 8nb, 2wd					20
Total	10 wickets , 107.4 overs					352
Hughes, PJ	c:McKenzie b:Kallis	115	190	151	19	2
Katich, SM	c:Smith b:Steyn	108	296	190	16	0
Ponting, RT	c:McKenzie b:Harris	9	35	20	1	0
Hussey, MEK	b:Morkel	50	215	144	9	0
Clarke, MJ	b:Harris	3	12	11	0	0
North, MJ	c:Steyn b:Kallis	38	151	114	5	0
Haddin, BJ	c:Amla b:Ntini	5	23	10	0	0
McDonald, AB	not out	4	20	7	0	0
Johnson, MG	lbw:Ntini	0	1	1	0	0
Siddle, PM	c:Boucher b:Steyn	0	9	4	0	0
Hilfenhaus, BW	c:Smith b:Steyn

FOW:

1-184 ( Hughes, 43.5 ov), 2-208 ( Ponting, 51.4 ov), 3-259 ( Katich, 67.1 ov), 4-266 ( Clarke, 70.1 ov), 5-329 ( Hussey, 100.6 ov), 6-348 ( North, 104.5 ov), 7-348 ( Haddin, 105.3 ov), 8-348 ( Johnson, 105.4 ov), 9-352 ( Siddle, 107.2 ov), 10-352 ( Hilfenhaus, 107.4 ov)

Australia's innings proved to be another good one although truth be told there was a complete and utter collapse after the openers with only North and Hussey Posting double figures. It still seems to be ashame because it would be nice to see the openers do their job and maybe Australia only loose 1 or 2 wickets before declaring. Still lets get on to the South African first innings.

South Africa 1st Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	10b, 12lb, 1nb, 0wd					23
Total	7 wickets , 57.0 overs					138
McKenzie, ND	c:Haddin b:Johnson	0	2	3	0	0
Smith, GC	retired hurt:	2	23	3	0	0
Amla, HM	lbw:Johnson	0	5	2	0	0
Kallis, JH	c:Ponting b:McDonald	22	115	78	5	0
de Villiers, AB	lbw:Hilfenhaus	3	10	8	0	0
Duminy, JP	not out	73	238	152	11	0
Boucher, MV	b:Johnson	1	6	9	0	0
Harris, PL	b:McDonald	4	70	46	0	0
Morkel, M	b:McDonald	2	7	3	0	0
Steyn, DW	not out	8	57	39	1	0
Ntini, M

FOW:

- ( Smith, ov), 1-0 ( McKenzie, 0.3 ov), 2-0 ( Amla, 0.5 ov), 3-6 ( de Villiers, 5.3 ov), 4-62 ( Boucher, 26.6 ov), 5-104 ( Harris, 41.4 ov), 6-104 ( Kallis, 41.6 ov), 7-106 ( Morkel, 43.3 ov),

There you have it proving that anything you can do we can do better, South Africa have managed to collapse their entire order rather than just mid to bottom. Well done Proteas.

The bowling has to be mentioned the figures are below. I am sorry if you find this short on synopsis and heavy on facts, I just did not really enjoy the match other than the two openers for Australia so far.

Bowling	O	M	R	W	Wd	Nb
Bowlers Name	Overs Bowled	Maiden Overs	Runs Against	Wickets Taken	Wides Bowled	No Balls
Johnson, MG	16.0	5	37	3	0	0
Hilfenhaus, BW	11.0	2	28	1	0	1
McDonald, AB	12.0	4	25	3	0	0
Siddle, PM	13.0	6	20	0	0	0
North, MJ	4.0	3	6	0	0	0
Clarke, MJ	1.0	1	0	0	0	0

South AFrica's bowling

Bowling	O	M	R	W	Wd	Nb
Bowlers Name	Overs Bowled	Maiden Overs	Runs Against	Wickets Taken	Wides Bowled	No Balls
Steyn, DW	25.4	3	83	3	2	0
Ntini, M	19.0	4	58	2	0	0
Morkel, M	24.0	4	81	1	0	6
Kallis, JH	15.0	4	49	2	0	1
Harris, PL	21.0	5	66	2	0	1
Duminy, JP	3.0	1	5	0	0	0

To wrap things up an impressive start by Aussie openers who proved they are getting paid for a reason. Nice bowling effort with Mitchell Johnson being a star as per usual and Andrew MacDonald stepping up to take 3 wickets. I have been impressed with MacDonald and his tight bowling, he is not an allrounder by any measure his batting proves that. The other problem with MacDonald is that he makes Redheads look really bad laughs. If you have seen noddy and big ears the kids show you will know what I mean. Atleast he can bowl i suppose.

AUSTRALIA WIN FIRST TEST BY 162 RUNS

Australia has won the first test vs South Africa with a young and untested previously to this match team.
South Africa was bowled out in the final session of the days play, after an alround brilliant effort by the Aussie side.
The wickets to fall today are as follows

Amla b. Siddle, c. Hughes 57 from 130 balls
Callis b. Johnson 45 from 139 balls
De Villiers lbw Macdonald 3 from 7 balls
Duminy b. Siddle, c. Ponting 29 from 75 balls
Boucher b. Hilfenhaus 24 from 105 balls
Morkel b. Johnson, c. Hughes 2 from 12 balls
Harris b. Siddle, c. Katich 8 from 35 balls
Steyn b. Johnson 6 from 12 balls
Ntini not out 0

The Australian Team played a really constructive game with plenty of pressure applied and consistent bowling to weaknesses in the South African batsmen. This was extremely prevalent with Duminy who was caught by Ricky Pointing after consistently showing discomfort in receiving balls up into the body and eventually nicked one that carried to Ponting. Man of the match has not been decided at present but in all honesty should go to Mitchell Johnson who not only had a knock of 96 but got plenty of wickets and bowled a lot of overs and consistently good pace of over 140km's per hour.

Australia Poised For Final Day Battle

Australia had a rather disappointing second innings only managing to reach 207. Which did make Ricky Pontings decision of when to declare easier. During this innings the very first decision was over turned in the review system. Brad Haddin was given Lbw by Billy Bouden only have him reverse the decision upon consultation with the third umpire. The review system is still a very touchy subject with a lot of people, I agree with the general consensus that it is a good idea but needs more technology and refinement. Australia score card is listed below for their second innings.

Australia 2nd Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	0b, 5lb, 3nb, 1wd					9
Total	10 wickets , 53.4 overs					207
Hughes, PJ	c:de Villiers b:Harris	75	160	121	11	1
Katich, SM	c:Boucher b:Morkel	10	48	22	2	0
Ponting, RT	c:Amla b:Kallis	25	70	44	4	0
Hussey, MEK	c:Ntini b:Kallis	0	1	1	0	0
Clarke, MJ	c:Kallis b:Harris	0	2	2	0	0
North, MJ	b:Kallis	5	5	7	1	0
Haddin, BJ	c:Boucher b:Ntini	37	82	54	1	2
McDonald, AB	c:Boucher b:Ntini	7	10	11	1	0
Johnson, MG	c:Kallis b:Ntini	1	11	12	0	0
Siddle, PM	not out	22	56	36	2	1
Hilfenhaus, BW	b:Steyn	16	24	15	1	0

FOW:

1-38 ( Katich, 11.3 ov), 2-99 ( Ponting, 26.5 ov), 3-99 ( Hussey, 26.6 ov), 4-99 ( Clarke, 27.2 ov), 5-104 ( North, 28.5 ov), 6-138 ( Hughes, 35.3 ov), 7-145 ( McDonald, 38.1 ov), 8-147 ( Johnson, 40.4 ov), 9-174 ( Haddin, 48.2 ov), 10-207 ( Hilfenhaus, 53.4 ov)

Bowling	O	M	R

The Proteas came in to bat and after an intial look of discomfort Graeme Smith and Neil Mackenzie got on with the job. Before Mackenzie got out edging it to Haddin. Next to follow was Smith with 69 from a Hilfenhaus ball that Johnson Caught. Amla and Callis and both well set and have 275 to get in the final days play with plenty of wickets in hand.

South Africa 2nd Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	0b, 1lb, 3nb, 1wd					5
Total	2 wickets , 55.0 overs					178
McKenzie, ND	c:Haddin b:Johnson	35	119	95	5	0
Smith, GC	c:Johnson b:Hilfenhaus	69	186	110	7	0
Amla, HM	not out	43	119	88	6	0
Kallis, JH	not out	26	51	40	3	0
de Villiers, AB
Duminy, JP
Boucher, MV
Morkel, M
Harris, PL
Steyn, DW
Ntini, M

FOW:

1-76 ( McKenzie, 27.3 ov), 2-130 ( Smith, 41.1 ov),

Even with the two openers out I still feel a bit uncomfortable with it only being 275 and a whole days play. We all know what South Africa are capable of doing. I really think it will go down to the wire, I will not be surprised if Australia get robbed of Victory.

Wrap up of 1st test Australia vs South Africa so far

The South African Innings has little in the way of inspiration. The only player showing any great form was De Villiers with 104 not out. The stats are listed below along with the fall of wickets.

South Africa 1st Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	4b, 6lb, 4nb, 0wd					14
Total	10 wickets , 81.1 overs					220
McKenzie, ND	lbw:Siddle	36	171	125	6	0
Smith, GC	c:Haddin b:Johnson	0	3	2	0	0
Amla, HM	c:Ponting b:Hilfenhaus	1	2	3	0	0
Kallis, JH	c:Hussey b:Siddle	27	65	44	4	0
de Villiers, AB	not out	104	285	185	9	1
Duminy, JP	c:Haddin b:Johnson	17	73	52	2	0
Boucher, MV	c:Haddin b:Johnson	0	4	3	0	0
Morkel, M	c&b:Siddle	2	25	22	0	0
Harris, PL	lbw:North	1	3	4	0	0
Steyn, DW	c:North b:McDonald	17	62	49	2	0
Ntini, M	b:Johnson	1	8	2	0

FOW:

1-1 ( Smith, 0.5 ov), 2-2 ( Amla, 1.2 ov), 3-49 ( Kallis, 17.1 ov), 4-93 ( McKenzie, 40.5 ov), 5-138 ( Duminy, 57.2 ov), 6-138 ( Boucher, 57.5 ov), 7-154 ( Morkel, 63.5 ov), 8-156 ( Harris, 64.6 ov), 9-208 ( Steyn, 79.4 ov), 10-220 ( Ntini, 81.1 ov)

The Australians in reply were funny to watch with little Phil Hughes jumping all over the place after the South Africans saw that he was uncomfortable with balls bowled into his body and of any great height. He did to his credit though stick at it and I think we all know he can play the Cut shot. Morkel managed to dislodge Katich with a ball that practically leaped of the pitch at him being caught behind by Boucher.

Bowling	O	M	R	W	Wd	Nb
Bowlers Name	Overs Bowled	Maiden Overs	Runs Against	Wickets Taken	Wides Bowled	No Balls
Johnson, MG	18.1	7	25	4	0	0
Hilfenhaus, BW	25.0	9	58	1	0	2
Siddle, PM	21.0	1	76	3	0	2
McDonald, AB	10.0	4	22	1	0	0
North, MJ	7.0	0	29	1	0	0

The bowling figures above show how well each one did.

Australia 2nd Innings		R	M	B	4	6
Batters name	Fall Of Wicket	Runs	Minutes	Balls Faced	Four's	Sixes
Extras	0b, 2lb, 1nb, 1wd					4
Total	1 wicket , 16.3 overs					51
Hughes, PJ	not out	36	82	63	7	0
Katich, SM	c:Boucher b:Morkel	10	54	22	2	0
Ponting, RT	not out	1	27	15	0	0

The Australian's took the light option as Ricky Pointing had a close call with lbw. He was basically stating he could not see the ball clearly. The commentators thought that Australia would kick on anyway due to the lead they had. I think Ricky was more interested in conserving wickets and perhaps posting a bit more, after being caught short in Australia by the Proteas.
Lets see how the next innings plays out. I have to give credit to the side they have played well. The only down side is that the South African's are not playing well. This you could debate though saying that Australia is just out playing them. Personally I think they are a little rusty.

The star in the South is actual North

After an ordinary start Australia has posted a brilliant first innings score thanks to a committed batting performance from the lower and middle order. First Haddin with 63 then North who on Debut scored an amazing 117 joining an elite group of people to do so. He is the first western Australian to score a century on debut. Mitchell Johnson also had an amazing innings ending up stranded on 96 not out after running out of partners. Mitchell scored an blistering 26 runs from one of South African spinner Harris.
Australia's first innings total was 466, the Proteas response was almost dejavous with Graeme smith out for a golden duck, Amla following for 1, Then Callis falling for a low score the Proteas finish there first session 3/85.
Marcus North was extremelt impressive in his innings, playing real test match cricket. Perhaps boring at times it was exactly the innings that other Australian batsmen should look to for inspiration. The wicket had a lot of movement and swing in it and this was evident with the new ball and wickets falling early for both sides and again when the South African's got the second new ball. Even when they got a reconditioned ball from Mitchell Johnso hitting it out of the grounds the results were evident in the movement of that ball.
All in all Australia look good but that is only one innings, A solid base to start from.

Score so far in Australia vs South Africa Test

Phil hughes 0 from 4 balls b. Steyn c. Boucher
Simon Katich 3 from 34 balls b. Steyn c. Mckenzie
Michael Hussey 4 from 21 b. Morkel c. Callis
Ricky Ponting 83 from ?? b. Ntini (played it onto stumps)
Michael ClarkE 68 from ?? b. Steyn c. Boucher
Marcus North 47 Not out
Brad Haddin 37 Not out

Score at Stumps on day one 5/254

Ok fall of wickets were 0/1, 2/18, 3/38, 4/??, 5/182
Currently its lunch and Ponting in batting well and so is ClarkE. The Score is 3/77.
Ponting is very lucky to be there as he was dropped by Graeme Smith on 40 and the catch was an absolute sitter in first slip. The very next ball Ponting hit a 6, nice response.
Best bowling at the moment is steyn when I last took the figures down it was 5 overs 2 maidens with 2 wickets.
Ponting had a scare early on as well that there was a big appeal for but umpire Steve Bucknor said no this was not challenged, this proved to be a good decision as the ball clipped his trouser pocket on the way through.
Let me say this so far, Ricky has looked solid but has been extremely lucky. Phil Hughes got out for an absolute School Boy Error, nothing more need be said there. Katich never looked settled and Mike Hussey was the same too nervous and just not focused. The pressure the SA's put on these players was constructed really well.
More will come, although I am not staying up all night to watch the game, sorry every one but I have a child that will be up early tomorrow so I will give one more update later on this evening and pick things up tomorrow.
Day one not too bad actually it has shown that Australia does have some batting depth now, it was unlucky for Hughes to get out for that bad shot but as I said earlier it was just a School Boy Error.
Looking forward to the next days play. In futher information South Africa challenged a call by Billy Bouden when there was a sound as Ricky Pointing played and missed that went through to Boucher. The challenge was viewed and Bouden was found to be correct and Pointing not out on 70.

News on DAVE WARNER

Australian one-day and Twenty20 opener David Warner has joined county side Durham for the English domestic Twenty20 Cup.

Warner, 22, will arrive at the Riverside once his Indian Premier League commitments draw to a close at the end of May with the Delhi Daredevils, where he will play alongside Durham and England star Paul Collingwood.

"I've heard great things about Durham and I'm delighted to be joining them later this year," Warner said.

"I enjoy playing Twenty20 cricket and to be brought in especially to play in the UK's domestic competition is a real honour and challenge. I can't wait."

Durham chief executive David Harker branded Warner's signing a "coup".

"His skill in the limited overs format of the game is clear to see and his performances have really caught the attention of the cricketing world," Harker said.

"We are delighted to have him on board and we are sure that he will be a major force in our Twenty20 side."

Warner has an average of 39.66 from three international Twenty20 matches, including a highest score of 89 off 43 balls made on his debut against South Africa.

The New South Welshman has an average of 17.66 from six one-day internationals.

Great news about Warner, I am a fan of his. I think he is the future of Australian Cricket with the excitement he adds to the game. My thoughts flick back to Dean Jones when I watch warner play. A more appropriate description actually would be a cross between Dean Jones and Jonty Rhodes. Atleast England are looking after our young Australian Talent..........

The Teams for the First Test Australia Vs South Africa

Australia - Simon Katich, Phillip Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger, Andrew McDonald.

South Africa - Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Ok so we have the teams for the first Test begining today at the wanderers (see previous posts for details on the wanderers). There is a lot of contention at the moment with the fans about the exclusion of Bryce McGain, especially after his form in the match vs the President XI a few days ago. I am in disbelief over this, why take a specialist spinner and not use him. Australia have gone for a predominantly fast/medium pace attack.

Yes we have ClarkE who can get through a few overs and occasionally pick up some wickets and Marcus North who can bowl his Right arm Off break but realistically speaking what are the selectors thinking. We have seen what happened in Australia when pace was the main weapon, we lost. You need variation and the ability to put concentrated pressure on the batsmen. When you are consistenly having pace thrown at you, you become used to it as proven in the test serious on Aussie soil. Graeme Smith is going to be a handfull again, to his credit he is really good to watch out there. Composed and gets the job done with class, he reminds me of David Boon in his hayday.

I will give credit for the batting line up that Australia has though it does look a lot better, if all cylinders are firing they should post a respectable total. I think they need to knuckle down and grind out some quality innings. The natural flare will show through on the loose balls the South Africans bowl. Especially with Simon Katich who in my mind was the most consistent Australian Batsman for the previous tests against South Africa and a pleasure to watch.

So all I can say is Unlucky Bryce, I hope your in the next test. Do not forget coverage for Aussies begins on Foxsports 3 tonight at 7pm EDT so if your like me and in Brisbane starts at 6pm.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oih, Oih ... Oih.

A new system of Review to be tested in Aus Vs Sth Africa Series

As many of you are aware the ICC have been playing around with the rules of the game for some time. Trying to find happy mediums with the current way cricket is played and the new style of players and technology that is available.
In the Australia Vs South Africa VB Test series, they will be trialing a new review system. This system consists of 2 appeals for an umpire's decision to be reviewed per innings. How this works, is that both the batting and bowling team can challenge an umpires decision if the umpires decision is correct then that is strike 1 for whom ever called the challenge. However if the umpire is wrong the team who called it will have that decision overturned and still have their two reviews up there sleeve.
In essence 2 strikes your out of challenges. Certainly makes it fairer for Batsmen who know that they did not get out. I am a little troubled about the LBW rulings, I believe therein lies a problem as it is the umpires judgement of what has occurred and when you start slowing things right down it takes the luck out of it.
I like the idea of these new rules but I believe that its going to be a double edged blade. It will take away from the game the luck aspect, where a player might get away with staying in to bat or in the reverse been given out which in turn wins the match.
I think everyone out there would agree that if its your team that gets the luck, you are very happy and feel its only fair. If you are on the receiving end though you are well and truly gutted and jump up and down about it for a while. Perhaps this review option is the means to an end.

Australia Vs South Africa First Test

Australia Will play South Africa tomorrow being the 26th of Feb 09 in the first of game of a 3 test series. This will as has been well publicised decide the NO 1. Ranked team in the world for Cricket.
Australia are coming of a indifferent summer with glimpses of form, South Africa and confident win over the Aussies on their home soil.
Rest assured this is going to be a battle royal, the Aussies will not give up easily and past teams have been in the same position and come back with amazing results. For mine, I say good Luck Lads and God speed.

For the website viewers, If you have visisted before you will know the lay out has changed. I hope you find the new layout and easy click through players stats an enjoyable experience.

Marcus North The Stats Available

Marcu s North
Born	28 July 1979 (1979-07-28) (age 29)
	Pakenham, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Batting style	Left-handed
Bowling style	Right-arm off break
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1998 – present	Western Australia
2004	Durham
2005	Lancashire
2006	Derbyshire
2007 – 2008	Gloucestershire
2009 – present	Hampshire
Career statistics
	F-c	LA	T20
Matches	125	126	29
Runs scored	8778	3525	562
Batting average	43.89	33.57	23.41
100s/50s	22/49	5/25	–/1
Top score	239*	134*	59
Balls bowled	7747	2044	365
Wickets	90	57	8
Bowling average	44.46	31.12	52.50
5 wickets in innings	–	–	–
10 wickets in match	–	–	–
Best bowling	4/16	4/26	2/19
Catches/stumpings	98/–	37/–	8/–

Marcus North Has let the light shine

Australia vs the Presidents XI looked to be a disaster, even with Australia managing to get within grasp of the Presidents XI first Innings total. Then came North to the crease with an astounding 6/69 wicket haul, leaving the presidents XI only getting 182 before being dismissed. Australia came into bat with Marcus north getting 50 and Hughes getting 53 both retiring hurt allowing the rest of the team to have a bat. In the end both captains agreed on a draw. Other noteworthy mentions are Doug Bollinger 3/29.
This Leaves Australia with a few options over there and a tentative taste for the fans of whats to come. My only question is what is with all the retired hurts. I thought this was cricket not soccer/football, you cant milk penalties out on the cricket pitch.
Marcus North appears to be a really good find, I will post up any info I can about him shortly hopefully with stats. Hughes managed to get 53 before retiring hurt so again not too shabby, I am warming to this team.
Now its time to plan for the first of the tests vs South Africa at the Wanderers, starting on the 26th of Feb 09. As I said previously this can be watched by Aussie Viewers on FoxSports 3.
The thing here that I am now looking at is that the batting line up for Australia is actually not looking that bad if the players showing form are included. Here is how I look at it
1. Hughes
2. Katich
3. Pointing
4. ClarkE
5. Hussey
6. Haddin
7. North
8. Johnston
9. Macdonald
10. McGain
11. Hilfenhaus/Bollinger
Pretty strong Grouping if you ask me with a decent attack format for bowling. Interesting to see whom the bowlers are that they pick.

Update on The Aussies Vs the SA Presidents XI

<<<-------- Is a competitive Aussie Team a thing of the Past.>>>>>>

Let us start with the bad news shall we Simon Katich had retired hurt after blasting his way to 124 which is not a surprise the score as he was consistently the best during the Australian Summer for batting and should have been in the one day side. Let us hope that his injury is not serious and that he will recover very quickly.
Hughes out for 24 so much for that rap. May aswell have stuck with Dave Warner atleast he was exciting to watch.
The Australian's at stumps were 4/360 still trailing the XI, Pointing did his share with a knock of 93 and other notables were Marcus North who is not out on 52 (Nice one son).
Now I know people will think that I am being harsh on Hughes, I disagree totally. Its not Hughes I would be having a go at its the Selectors. They should have stuck with the talent they had already tested and perhaps on these games before the tests, thrown the others in and rested the big guns such as Katich and Pointing and Hussey. Obviously ClarkE needs the time to get himself sorted, I am sure the Big guns would have liked to have some down time to prepare for the tests.
I Guess you can say that Hilfenhaus, Siddle and McGain were the best for the Aussie bowlers,
the Presidents XI the best bowler was Imran Tahir with 2/92 of 18.
Yes it was good that the Aussies had a good wack but again it came from 2 of the senior players. I dread the day that they retire what will we as Australians have left the way the selectors are going it will be a medioca bunch indeed. Or if not medioca the players will be sick of YO-YO and just say no to playing for Aus. Instead the will go overseas and play for big dollars.

My Caption next to the picture relates to the fact that the stars of the Aussie side shone for this game and the future did not. I love my Aussie cricket side so do not get me wrong. I have still got some faith the future will live up to selectors decision to choose them, although that faith is dwindling. I must Give Marcus North Credit though Well done.

Are the Omen's Bad For the Aussies or What?

Ok the first Match of the South African Tour, this was meant to be a test vs a South African A side. At the last moment due to the climax of the Pro20 competition this was changed to a Presidents 11.
At stumps on day one the score was 5/393. That is a huge first day score although the wickets have fallen the fourth wicket fell at 4/202 then the next 107 runs later.
McGain has managed to get 2 wickets, lucky he managed to get over there. With Siddle, Hilfenhaus and MacDonald each getting one each.
The big scores for the presidents XI were Imraan Khan with 100 even, and Kuhn who was unbeaten on 95 at stumps. The Presidents XI all hit double figures in batting and two were just shy of half centuries. If this is what Australia is up against come the Tests vs South Africa I can only say that we are in trouble. I will say this though that it will not be the players fault it will be the selectors. I do not think anyone thought the people actually on the tour would be on it other than the notables who are senior players.
I will reserve judgement until the Aussies have batted and finalised their bowling. Where the hell is Nathan Bracken for one. Is there something I do not know about that prevents him from going on over seas tours? Apart from the poor judgement of the selectors.
Phil Hughes will get his chance to impress with the bat lets see if he is up to the challenge. Michael Clarke is not in the game vs the presidents XI he has been rested or unable so he can play in the test match vs South Africa. Are we that short on players we need to rest hurt ones to come and play for us on the test Arena????

Pointing Cans IPL, Dave Hussey undecided.

Ricky Pointing has stated that he will not be playing for the knightriders in the IPL this season. He wants to concentrate on the international commitments he has at the moment and have a 2 week break in the run up to the Ashes. To tell you the truth I can't blame him, really they have an absolutely hectic schedule and Punter has a very young child that would love to spend time with him.

David Hussey has stated that he is undecided as of yet whether he will be playing in the IPL. He is trying his butt off at the moment to play well in the last 3 shield match games of the season to try and impress selectors. So he can be selected to represent Australia against South Africa in the one day games. His ultimate goal is to play in the Ashes series.
I do not think that he has shown enough form to play in the longer form of the game. Although to his credit he did sort of try and play a test innings in the last Twenty20 game.
Where have all the greats gone........................................................................................

Andrew Symonds back in the hunt

Andrew Symonds has had a steady recovery from a knee operation that kept him out of the third test vs South Africa. He has played a few matches one he had to retire from after only bowling two overs. The cricket Australia Doctor stated that Symonds had pinched some inflammed tissue in his knee but was recovering well and this small issue should not delay his return or recovery.
He will play on the domestic front for the time being and if he should show form as we all want him to, I dare say we should see him at the international level again very soon. Perhaps not the test side for South Africa but the twenty20 world cup is a possibility as is The Ashes squad if he is well and playing up to his standard.
On the Ashes front it is looking better with Brett Lee more than likely going to be available, now Symonds. Shaun Marsh I will find out about, he is young though and should recover fairly quickly. Then we have Stuart Clark who had a set back with his elbow, hopefully we will see him return soon. That gives us some big guns back to complement the current arsenal.

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THE SITE OF ROUND ONE OR THE FIRST TEST ON SOUTH AFRICA'S HOME TURF BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTH AFRICA

New Wanderers
South Africa
Ground information
Location	Sandton, Illovo, Johannesburg
Seating capacity	34,000[1]
End names	Corlett Drive End Golf Course End
International information
First Test	24 December 1956: South Africa v England
Last Test	8 November 2007: South Africa v New Zealand
First ODI	13 December 1992: South Africa v India
Last ODI	14 February 2007: South Africa v Pakistan
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1956 – present	Transvaal now known as Highveld Lions

This is the site of D-Day for The Australian Test Cricket Team. Starting on the 26th of February 2009. The first Test in South Africa where the end result of the 3 test series will decide the fate of whom will be the No 1 side in the world for Test Cricket. Currently Australia hold that honour but only by a very slim margin, South Africa rating a very very close second.
As I have mentioned in an earlier post, for Australian viewers who cant be in South Africa to support our lads. Fox sports 3 will be televising the 3 match test series. There will be as usual live footage where you will be up from 7pm till 3am in the morning dependant on what state your in, also the replays at a more convenient hour for the non nocturnal creatures.
I will be a nocturnal creature for the test series and will post up match details and wrap up of days play. I will not post the score in the heading for those that don't want to know it but just want a quick goss up.