Oracle of Delphi
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Craig HillAussies take maximum points from Group A, with a bit of luck
March 24th 2007 23:02
Ricky Ponting will be delighted that not only did his team defeat South Africa this morning to take maximum points into the Super 8s but that it was done defending a large total. His declaration before the tournament that this was an Achilles heel for his team will give him and coach Buchannan extra satisfaction that their planning and execution on this aspect of their game has shown dividends.
Since their Johannesburg fixture last year the fabric of the game has changed for both South Africa and Australia not to mention the interested chasing pack. In chosing to chase down whatever total Australia put on the board Graeme Smith was taking a calculated risk based on his observations of New Zealand’s remarkable efforts in the Chappell Hadlee series.
That Australia’s batting was strong was beyond question. Hayden and Gilchrist were terrific at the top of the order. Shaun Pollock with figures of 0-83 from his ten overs can attest to their ferocity. Ponting and Clarke followed with sumptuous knocks.
After the initial onslaught the real interest in this contest became the South African chase. After 21 overs the scoreboard read 0-161 with Smith and De Villiers both scoring freely without taking too many risks. Another 10 overs of this and the sense of déjà vu for the Australians may have been too tough to overcome. Watson’s throw from the boundary to run out De Villiers could be seen as lucky but hard work and presence of mind even at that stage of the game count for a lot. Smith’s temporary retirement due to cramp smacks of poor fitness and/or poor recovery after time in the field. Both factors were lucky in a way, both helped Australia wrestle the initiative.
In South Africa last year Dippenear, a notably slow scorer, was dismissed early freeing up overs for others to attach. This time Kallis in his efforts to stay at the crease was more of a help than a hindrance. Ponting may have been pleased at this extended stay despite being unable to dismiss him until the 44th over.
Fortune favours the brave and with a combination of factors not directly in their control and a more even headed performance in the field and with the ball the Aussies were always able to maintain a level of control over the second innings of this match.
Tait and Hogg both bowled well, much better than previous outings in New Zealand. Tait’s pace and movement stifled any late rally and Hogg’s wrong un had South Africa in a spin.
Ponting and his team will be confident going into the Super 8s while South Africa, aside from losing to a team that had been baiting them all week, can take heart from a solid if unspectacular performance.
Since their Johannesburg fixture last year the fabric of the game has changed for both South Africa and Australia not to mention the interested chasing pack. In chosing to chase down whatever total Australia put on the board Graeme Smith was taking a calculated risk based on his observations of New Zealand’s remarkable efforts in the Chappell Hadlee series.
That Australia’s batting was strong was beyond question. Hayden and Gilchrist were terrific at the top of the order. Shaun Pollock with figures of 0-83 from his ten overs can attest to their ferocity. Ponting and Clarke followed with sumptuous knocks.
After the initial onslaught the real interest in this contest became the South African chase. After 21 overs the scoreboard read 0-161 with Smith and De Villiers both scoring freely without taking too many risks. Another 10 overs of this and the sense of déjà vu for the Australians may have been too tough to overcome. Watson’s throw from the boundary to run out De Villiers could be seen as lucky but hard work and presence of mind even at that stage of the game count for a lot. Smith’s temporary retirement due to cramp smacks of poor fitness and/or poor recovery after time in the field. Both factors were lucky in a way, both helped Australia wrestle the initiative.
In South Africa last year Dippenear, a notably slow scorer, was dismissed early freeing up overs for others to attach. This time Kallis in his efforts to stay at the crease was more of a help than a hindrance. Ponting may have been pleased at this extended stay despite being unable to dismiss him until the 44th over.
Fortune favours the brave and with a combination of factors not directly in their control and a more even headed performance in the field and with the ball the Aussies were always able to maintain a level of control over the second innings of this match.
Tait and Hogg both bowled well, much better than previous outings in New Zealand. Tait’s pace and movement stifled any late rally and Hogg’s wrong un had South Africa in a spin.
Ponting and his team will be confident going into the Super 8s while South Africa, aside from losing to a team that had been baiting them all week, can take heart from a solid if unspectacular performance.
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Comment by charles
ZCars
Ponderous
And it's great to see Haydo on form!
Charles.
Comment by DavidH
Defending the indefensible
Terrific stuff.
Comment by charles
ZCars
Ponderous
Two tons in a row with the latter being the HS by an Aussie at the WC.
Sensational!
Let's hope he doesn't peak too early eh?
Charles.
Comment by DavidH
Defending the indefensible