Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Win provides Australia with vital encouragement

Third Test: Australia (445 & 257-4 dec) bt South Africa (327 & 272) by 103 runs
clipped from www.telegraph.co.uk
Australia prevail in spite of Graeme Smith's heroics for South AfricaL: Valiant effort: South Africa's Dale Steyn (r) was out lbw and made way for injured captain Graeme Smith


Australia finally pulled themselves out of their 12-month slump with a breathless, last-ditch victory over South Africa. Just 10 balls of the match remained when Mitchell Johnson shattered Graeme Smith's stumps with a vicious inswinger.


It was an unforgettable conclusion to a series that has matched the 2005 Ashes for sheer drama.


For much of the final session, storms were rolling around Sydney, and lightning flashes could be seen behind the old green-roofed pavilion.


Smith has a broken metacarpal in his left hand, as well as a torn tendon in his right elbow, and had not been expected to take any further part in the match.


Smith may have started his international career as a brash loudmouth, but he has matured enormously and the Australian public have grown to respect and admire him.


But the run was not there, and Johnson found a lethal delivery when it was most needed. Even without his handicaps, Smith admitted later, he might have struggled to keep this nip-backer out.

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