Australia tour of South Africa 2009(Part 2)

2nd Test Analysis

South Africa are 1-0 down in the series and they need to win this match to stay alive in the series. Both the sides fielded unchanged teams and once again Australia are without a frontline spinner.

Match Summary:
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first(most obvious choice!). The Australian openers blazed their way and registered a 184-run opening stand. Both the openers scored centuries and Michael Hussey made a much needed fifty. Their last six wickets fell for 23 runs and Australia managed 352. In the first over of South Africa's first innings two wickets fell and soon they lost their captain, Graeme Smith, retired. He wont be available for the remainder of the series. And soon they became 6/3 after losing AB devillers. Only JP Duminy restored pride to their innings by scoring an unbeaten 73. And Australia once again didn't enforce follow-on after getting a lead of 212 runs.

Australia again batted well in the second innings. After Phil Hughes scored a century in the second innings, he became the youngest batsman to score 2 centuries in the same test match. Ricky ponting scored a quick 81 to set South Africa an imposing target of 546 runs. Without Smith, South Africa can never chase that target, which is 125+ runs more than the world record total. But they got a sniff after Kallis and devillers scored 187 runs for the third wicket. After that Australia's victory was never in doubt. South Africa managed highest score in the match, 370 runs. Australia won the match by 175 runs and series, and avenge their home series defeat. Australia will retain Numero Uno status after South Africa threatened to grab it.

Scorecard: 2nd test scorecard
Result:Australia won by 175 runs. Australia have an unassailable lead 2-0 in the 3 match series.
Turning Point: The initial five overs of South African first innings where they lost Smith and 3 quick wickets.
Man of the Match performance: Phil Hughes for his twin centuries.