After a rain ruined first test ended in a draw, the aussies won the toss and batted first in the second test on an adelaide wicket with the reputation for being the best batting wicket in the world.

Michael Clarke scored a double century to become the first batsmen to score 4 double hundreds in the calender year. His batting has gone to a new level since becoming captain . With Velander ruled out on the morning of the test and Kallis pulling a hammy the saffers are really going to struggle bowling the aussies out.

His 4 double centuries were scored against South Africa and India so it makes the achievement even more impressive.

He hasn't finished yet. Could well end up the year with 2 triples and 2 doubles with possible 3 of them not outs. Smith seemed to lose the plot once Kallis walked off.

Why the hell didn't they take the new ball as Clarke was approaching 200 and Hussey 100?

At least put some pressure on them. They cruised to those milestones.

To be fair, injuries didn't help the Proteas and that Vanderwhatshisname isn't up to test cricket.

Good fightback by the saffers, smith leading from the front. Wouldn't hurt if they would have left a bit more juice in the wicket to give the bowlers a bit more of a fair go.

Saffers are in deep shit now,4/50 chasing 430.

The number 1 test spot on the line now.

Typical Adelaide wicket really. My home town but who wins the toss wins the game is a safe bet. It was a road early. In the old days it was either that or a draw. I saw the wicket start to keep low on occasion when Australia were 8 for. Only one result from there. Whatever the quicks don't get the spinner will.

Dont think the SA leggie will be lining up in Perth.

Dont think the SA leggie will be lining up in Perth.

He wouldn't get a game in a state team here.

He makes Lyon look like a gun.

Match ended in a draw.

The deciding test at perth should produce a result after the saffers were knocked over for 225 and the aussies were 2/33 at the end of the first day. It looked a typical perth wicket with plenty of bounce and im sure the saffers will give our batsmen plenty to think about.

It is also the last test for punter and along with Greg Chappell he has been our best bat since Bradman. There was a period where he was the best bat in the game and he has always been a brilliant field.

Looking forward to the outcome of the test, though even if we win i don't think we would deserve to be the number one team in the world.

Sorry guys. After day 2 it looks likes like there is only one team that can win this game - and it's not Australia. Aus all out for 163 - 62 behind on 1st innings. SA 2 for 230 2nd. Innings

Edited December 1, 201213 yr by Revkev

Dominate 2 tests only to come out with draws.Have a poor day 2 in the 3rd test and it costs you the series.

That's test cricket I suppose.

Hashim Amla ( run machine ) scores 196 as SA take the lead past 500 . A B Devilliers also gets to 100 with 3 succesive reverse sweeps off Nathan Lyon . Aus will have to bat for 2 days to avoid defeat in this one . Anyone think Ricky can sign off with a ton ?

 

Mikeyboy

We had our chance in adelaide and couldn't knock em over, the saffers have batted us out of the game.

I'd like to see punter finish with a ton but i can't see it happening, i think we will get cleaned up in the second dig.

Hussey and clarke have been holding us together for the last two years and if they don't score we don't get many.

 

 

I'm hoping Pointing can finish his test career with a big score - I will miss him in the next Ashes series.

 

This test just shows who SA are top of the rankings.

 

The current record for a successful fourth innings run chase remains 418 by the West Indies against Australia in 2003.

 

 

Australia bowled out on the 4 th day to lose by 309 runs . Many of the top order got starts but needed 2 players or more to get big hundreds . Mitchell Starc enjoyed himself with a lusty 68 no at the end of the innings but S A worthy winners .

 

Mikeyboy

 

 

^ Thanks for the report - I've missed the whole series due to travel. From what I hear though, the locals have gone okay considering the superiority of the tourists line-up.