Australia tour of South Africa 2009 (Part 1)

1st Test Analysis

Australia entered South Africa with a depleted squad than the one that lost the series in Australia. This is more obvious in the selection of their final XI where three debutants (Phil Hughes, Marcus North and Ben Hilfenhaus ) were picked. Whereas South Africa retained their final XI for the last 4 matches. After I started watching cricket, this is the first time Australia have started as underdogs. South Africa failed to live upto their expectations.

Match Summary:
Australia have won the toss and elected to bat first. I don't know when Ricky Ponting will elect to field first,a quick stat, out of 23 times he won the toss he choose to bat 21 times. Phil Hughes opened in the place of retired mathew Hayden along with Simon Katich. Dale steyn struck in his first over by removing Hughes. Australia managed 466 due to the Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke initial heroics and some late order batting by Marcus North, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson. Johnson struck Paul Harris for 26 runs in one over. In reply South Africa collapsed for 220, thanks to AB devillers century. Australia ensured a lead of 246.

Quite predictably, Ricky Ponting didn't enforce follow-on. And Australia collapsed from 99/1 to 99/4 and were bowled out for 202. This is a blessing in disguise to them as they allowed themselves enough time to bowl out South Africa. The target for South Africa is 454. This is same ground where South Africa chased down Australia's daunting total of 434 in the ODI. Smith and Mckenzie started off cautiously against the new ball. Middle-order didn't come up with strong partnerships and were bowled out for 291.

Scorecard:1st Test Scorecard
Result: Australia won the match by 162 runs. Australia lead the series 1-0.
Turning point: Big first innings lead.
Man of the Match Performance: Mitchell Johnson.

The Three Debutants :

• Phil Hughes went for a duck in the first innnigs and made amends in the second innings scoring 75 runs against some hostile bowling from the world's best pace attack. He was twice out gloving the ball legside. In both the occasions, Smith was reluctant to go for the referral. Since Hughes knew that he was out, he should have left the crease. A typical Australian behaviour!
• Marcus North scored century in the first innings and got a wicket. An incredible feat. He was selected ahead of McGain, for his six wicket haul in the practice match. He didn't impress with his bowling but surely did with his batting.
• Ben Hilfenhaus bowled well with the new ball swinging both ways. His match figures read 56-16-126-3. Excellent for a debutant. He applied pressure at crucial moments of the match. He is good swing bowler, looking forward to watch him when the ball doesn't swing.