The SquizLog

Enthralling Test Cricket at Wanderers

The thing I love Test cricket is that every match has its own character. Each Test match ebbs and flows differently.

The current Test between South Africa and Australia at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg is a wonderful example. When Australia were set 292 to win on a wicket that had been playing tricks I gave them little chance, especially with Justin Langer unlikely to bat. At 2-33, with Hayden and Ponting back in the pavilion, I had almost written them off. But that man Michael Hussey, alias "Mr Cricket", was still at the crease so there was a glimmer of a hope. When he and his fellow Western Australian Damien Martyn had both survived some early tense moments and were settling into their batting, I began to have more faith.

Hussey and Martyn both showed wonderful patience and gave an excellent example to young aspiring batsmen of when and how to leave the ball. Then when the bowler gave them an opportunity they pounced, usually sending the ball speeding to the boundary. At 2-198, Australia were sitting pretty. But then Hussey fell LBW to Boje. It came as no surprise to me that a collapse followed. A quick cameo of 29 from Symonds was followed by meagre contributions from Gilchrist (0) and Warne (3) who were both dismissed by the impressive Ntini. All of a sudden Australia was six wickets down (effectively seven assuming Langer won't bat) with 55 runs still required.

When bad light ended the day's play Martyn (93 not out) and Lee (9 not out) had reduced the runs required to 44. What a wonderfully nerve-wracking finish the morning of the fifth and final day promises!