Australia 275/8 (Watson 82, Peterson 4-32) BEAT South Africa 280/6 (De Kock 107, Cummins 3-54)
Australia kept up their demolition style of cricket by showing the world why they are the number one team in the world and will be ranked number one until the world cup early next year. Other than the win, there were positive signs for Australia’s batting line up as other than Warner the other trio in the top 4 all got over 50 and are starting to show some form at the right time.
7 runs were reduced from the South African total as two showers brought along the D/L method. Even with a big total still to defend the South African fielders surely missed the likes of AB de Villiers and the power bowling of Dale Steyn as the standards dropped considerably. The main bowler since Steyn was rested was Morkel but his confidence was ruined as he had Smith under pressure until a misfield allowed it to go for four and also had him caught behind but it wasn’t given.
Steven Smith ,I’d say in the form of his life, and it shows how lucky you can get when you’re in-form as he was bowled off an Abbot no-ball and was caught behind off Morkel but the South Africans didn’t appeal or should I say review.
Moving onto some of the South African batsmen who got some runs were De Kock with a sublime hundred as he showed poise and determination and received great support by two players who have to show their form and skill to have any chance of getting in the World Cup squad because so far they have been below par. Rossouw chipped in with 51 before Behardien hit a blustery 63 with the highlight of the innings or was voted best shot of the innings the shot he hit Mitchell Starc over cover with an inside out drive that went for six.
Both sides rested their main bowlers and it showed as both bowling departments lacked penetration but for Australia Cummins is certainly putting his name in the basket for the world cup with another great display. For South Africa Peterson put in his claim that he should replace Tahir as their number one spinner as Tahir was outsmarted by the Australian batsmen.
A brief flutter of wickets after Smith, Finch and Watson had Australia in a commanding position had them in turmoil especially with 1.4 overs left. Only needing 21 runs to win when the last of the in-form trio Smith departed resulted in Maxwell, Bailey and Wade collapsing to allow South Africa a sniff of victory but it wasn’t meant to be….
Faulkner the finisher was at the crease and he finished the game with the first ball of the final over from Peterson by dispatching him over the top to seal the victory.
FOOTCKET 