A thrilling finish in the end – that is the charm of Test cricket – at some point of time – 3 results : SA Win, Aussie Win and a Tie were all in the realms of possibility.
Yesterday, Australia were 142/3 with Ricky Ponting unbeaten on 54; Khwaja in fact got out at 141. So 168 needed – 7 wickets at hand.
Today. Clarke was out cheaply to Philander and Ponting to Morkel after making 62. Score 165-5 tilting in favour of SA. Hussey got out at 215. Then came the grand partnership between Haddin and Johnson. They were 23 close when Haddin got out to Philander again; Siddle followed – it was 292/8.
At 301/8 – Dale Steyn had the last fling. The second ball, Pat Cummins hit back, ball flew past the bowler who got his hand but could not complete the catch……… Imran Tahir chased and slided valiantly – referred and given as four. At the end of the over 4 required to draw equal and Greame Smith calls Imran Tahir.
A tactical move or a blunder ???
The third ball a googly – Cummins misread – outside off, Umpire rules not out – Smith goes for another referral – TV replays and hotspot suggest that the ball might just hit the stumps. But too close and Umpire decides to keep his decision.
5th ball Cummins hoists for a four. Australia wins and draws level in the Series
What a match and nerve wracking end….
Regards – S. Sampathkumar
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