When Australia last made 632, Boonie made a big ton.
Australia were set the task of chasing down 632, which was always going to be about 309 runs too many. Especially against the likes of Steyn, Philander and Morkel. And Petersen for that matter, who managed to wrangle a couple of important wickets.
Philander struck early, removing Warner to a catch behind the wicket. I’m not sure if Philander is a really good bowler, or if Warner is just very prone to nicking deliveries outside off stump. Probably both. The face of Brut Deodorant, Shane ‘Watto’ Watson was next in. ‘Watto’ played some punchy drives on his way to 25, before he too edged a ball just outside off stump. I feel that Watson is at something of a crossroads. He is a very valuable cricketer for Australia, across the three forms of the game, however he has not been consistent in Test matches for some time now. Ricky Ponting came out to a rapturous reception, and a guard of honour from the South Africans. A very nice touch. He played a vintage pull shot, then an on drive, before edging the seemingly innocuous spin of Petersen to Kallis at slip. Ponting departed, waving to the appreciative crowd at the WACA. Well played, Punter.
The game was something of a procession from this point, if it wasn’t already. Cowan fell to a hook shot, Clarke drowned in honey against Petersen. To be fair, it was a great piece of bowling by the left arm tweaker. Hussey, caught behind to a seemingly rage-filled Steyn. The traditional ‘futile-though-entertaining’ lower order hitting display followed, with Starc posting a half century from just 32 balls. This added some respectability to the total, though also added Starc’s name to the list of potential top 4 batsmen for Australia. I jest, of course. Though these positions are becoming a headache for Australia, if they hadn’t already been a headache of chronic proportions.
South Africa stay at number 1, and deservedly so. Cricket is all about being the best team in the moments that matter, and South Africa were clearly the best when it mattered.
Australian Cricket News 