3rd Test, South Africa versus Australia, day 5

Result: Australia won by 245 runs, clinch the series 2-1.

Australian 1st innings: 7/494 from 127.4 overs
Michael Clarke 161*, David Warner 135, Steven Smith 84, Shane Watson 40
JP Duminy 4-73

South African 1st innings: 287 all out from 82.5 overs
Faf du Plessis 67, Alviro Petersen 53
Mitchell Johnson 4-42, Ryan Harris 3-63, James Pattinson 2-77

Australian 2nd innings: 5/303 dec.
David Warner 145, Steven Smith 36*
Kyle Abbott 3-61

South African 2nd innings: 265 all out chasing 511 runs for victory after 134.3 overs
Vernon Philander 53*
Ryan Harris 4-32, Mitchell Johnson 3-92, James Pattinson 2-62

Ryan Harris, you bloody beauty! Australia, you f***in' beauty! Number 2 on the Test ranks. The overall mission has cleared another objective. We're above India now. Always good to be ahead of them. 

Beating South Africa is always a mighty satisfying feeling, but after being smashed at St Georges, it was quite a remarkable effort our boys delivered to take them down and win 2-1, after crushing England 5-0.

There will be some tired bodies after a very draining day both physically and psychologically at Newland's.

One man in particular is Ryan Harris, and despite David Warner's elite performance with the bat (seriously, those stats of his are ridiculously brilliant for the series) and having climbed 5th on the ICC Test Batting Ranks; Ryano delivered a spell of bowling which will resonate in the hearts of many a cricket tragic for years to come.

Ryano is now second on the ICC Test Bowling Ranks, behind South African legend Dale Steyn.

Here's my piece on Facebook I wrote about Ryano. I feel no need to write much more as this series and Test speaks for itself. I am very, very proud of my team.

This bloke will be remembered by me (and I hope most of you too) as an Australian fast bowling legend. I freaking love the dude! 

Ryan James Harris (Baggy Green #413), what a sporting inspiration he's been. 

Down and out, made comebacks, won us massive matches, and even with psychological battles and physical toils that would make most men break down, he instead broke through the pain to ensure he gave histeam and the supporters an elite performance. 

Cricket is tough and Ryan Harris is a true Test cricketer, a fast bowler who really had so much more to offer the game, but injury does this too many a player. His stats came in for the 3rd Test at 7/95, which has boosted his to 2nd on the ICC Test Bowling Ranks. Respect!

Whether he plays again for us or not is mostly dependent on how his knee operation and rehab goes, so I am wishing him all the best outcomes possible. Salutations champ. 

To get 100 Test wickets, win your team a Test match and series against the number 1 ranked team, while leaving behind an epic performance to remember, job done in my eyes.

Hope he returns. Congrats boys.

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3rd Test, South Africa versus Australia, day 4

Australian 1st innings: 7/494 from 127.4 overs
Michael Clarke 161*, David Warner 135, Steven Smith 84, Shane Watson 40
JP Duminy 4-73

South African 1st innings: 287 all out from 82.5 overs
Faf du Plessis 67, Alviro Petersen 53
Mitchell Johnson 4-42, Ryan Harris 3-63, James Pattinson 2-77

Australian 2nd innings: 5/303 dec.David Warner 145, Steven Smith 36*
Kyle Abbott 3-61

South African 2nd innings: 4/71 chasing 511 runs for victory after 41.0 overs
Hashim Amla 40
Mitchell Johnson 2-31, Ryan Harris 1-10

Graeme Smith has announced his retirement. His stats alone are a fine testament to his skill as a batsman and he's been the skipper of his team for a very long time, a world record in fact. Respect. He's helped his team to the number 1 spot in the Test rankings and with that I think it's only fair to wish him all the best in his future ventures playing cricket in the UK and that he leaves behind a decent legacy.

My personal take on Smith is that he was given a great deal of responsibility very young and there was a certain arrogance, sorry, a definite arrogance which seemed to come through in his attitude as a result of this. Overcompensating? Quite likely, as pointed out by Shane Warne years ago. Smith had a tough time against us in this regard.

In the media spotlight he always came across as being rather robotic and quite bland in his personality, which from observing seems to be where, despite his brilliant batting records, he never seemed to get the credibility and immense respect from the South African supporters. The number of times it seemed the media were out to get him is simply numerous, especially with the lack of silverware the team managed to grab when taking on the worlds best. The pressure mounted and the choke tag grew. I found Smith to be a bit of an excuse maker too often, struggling to just admit poor performances or being outplayed. Again, this probably goes back to the burden of leadership at a young age post the Hansie Cronje saga. I wasn't ever a great admirer, but it can't have been easy for the bloke and he did give it his best shot. 

This has been one mammoth performance from our boys. After being smashed in our second dig at St. Georges Park on the back of Dale Steyn's reverse-swing frenzy, many expected our boys to bow down and not fight, or just have the Proteas momentum wash over us, given Newland's is a great hunting ground for them. Instead we go into the final day of this epic clash between these two fine sides leading by 440 runs with 6 wickets standing in our way of victory.

AB de Villiers is still there and remains the key wicket, assuming our boys can't knock over his partners. It will take a massive effort for them to not lose this. The South African mentality will be to play for the draw and not likely the win, so expect a strong defensive fort to break down.

Sure, Adelaide 2012 will be spoken of but we had a bowling attack down one man and low on energy on a very, very hot Adelaide day. It was still a fantastic defiance from Faf du Plessis (and de Villiers played a role in that), but the circumstances are completely different this time around in terms of the pitch, weather conditions, and that we have a much better bowling attack with far greater versatility on offer. South Africa have their work cut out for them.

Two key wickets stand out, and that is the two mentioned above, AB and Faf.

However, the challenge awaits our boys tomorrow. From the 1st Ashes Test at the Gabba, a 5-0 win, and now a chance to beat South Africa 2-1, this is the opportunity, this is the day, this is the moment that is ours to take. Our players can then rest up with some incredible cricket behind them, but it's one day to go against a defiant team.

Michael Clarke would have been under immense pressure with the declaration decision. Some may feel he dragged it on, but he wouldn't have done this had he not believed in his bowlers and this would have been a team decision. This is about winning the series after all and a burden not placed upon one mans shoulders.

Was it left too late? Time will tell but with 4 wickets claimed in 41.0 overs, I'd hardly say it was too late. The bowlers backed his decision, gave it their very best and got out there with self-belief instilled in them from the leader. The decision has been made, time to fight for those last 6 wickets.

Personally, we probably could have had a lead of 400 and gunned it, but given South Africa's ability in recent times to take on those targets with a track that could have held up well for their top order (who've now been dismantled) it was a decision Clarke would have considered, hence pushing for over 500 runs.

David Warner was the man of the day though, despite yet another scintillating bowling performance from Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson with the new ball. Onto that in a moment.

David Warner had the best platform. He could play aggressively, play with a definite goal in mind, and as a result he scored 145 runs. This series he has scores of 12, 115, 70, 66, 135, and 145.

That's 543 runs at 90.50 from 6 innings, with 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries. Matthew Hayden's shadow.

That's a phenomenal effort. Just look at those stats, but better yet, I hope you've actually watched his batting. He's been brutal. Yes, he's had luck, but that's not his problem, it's South Africa's problem their fielding standards were lowered and they've paid a hefty fine. Over and above that, David Warner came under fire before this Test match for his public statements which I backed him on, mostly because I can't stand robotic cricketers. He has followed up with 2 centuries. Doesn't get bolder.

His effort alone was enough to steer us into a strong position, but contributions from Steven Smith and Alex Doolan ensured we made it a dominant position.

The Proteas were hit hard without Dale Steyn, similar to our issues in 2011 and 2012 with numerous bowling issues, but it has perhaps been good for them going forward to see the effectiveness of their bowlers without the Phalaborwa Express in the team.

With Graeme Smith now retired as well, and Jacques Kallis only played limited overs international cricketer (and Mark Boucher gone too) they have some serious gaps to fill, and their bowling looks like the area to be effected when Dale Steyn is not around. I shared my view on Morne Morkel on day 2, but whether or not Steyn was there or not, David Warner was explosive and was in a demolition mood that few bowlers could have stopped.

It's now all about our bowlers. The batsmen have completed their tour, their fielding hands now become their focus, our bowlers have the task set. Our batsmen have given them more than enough to work with and limited their pressure with consistent 1st and 2nd innings performances, something which has been inconsistent, as a contradiction of sorts.

Ryan Harris is set to go under the knife after this series for a knee-operation. Reality is, I am treating this Test as if it may be the last time I witness him playing for the Baggy Greens. Knee-ops carry intense rehabilitation and who knows when he may return to cricket, and how the replacement bowlers will stack up. He's one of my favourite bowlers to watch and to see him so wired and strong this Test to give his best, I am just embracing it. He's a champ and keeps on going, despite the physical pain he must be suffering.

Before this Test he admitted to feeling low on confidence, but like David Warner he has delivered on the field to back his public opinion. To celebrate, he reached 100 Test wickets. He deserves it and so much more.

Well done Ryano, proud of you!

Mighty Mitch, well, I almost feel I need to be copying and pasting at the moment. Here it is in short.

This series (forget the Ashes) 21 wickets at 15.28 with 2 5-fers and a 10 wicket haul in a Test.

He has broken Graeme Smith's hand twice and really troubled the soon to be retired South African skipper. He ended his final Test innings with a fast and furious short pitched delivery, snatched by Alex Doolan at short leg.

He then bowled Dean Elgar with what is the ball of the series for me, competing with Ryan Harris' delivery to remove Hashim Amla on day 3. Similar deliveries, fast and a thrill to watch and hear the stump mics pick up the timber falling over.

James Pattinson ended the day for us on the perfect note, as he trapped Hashim Amla LBW. It was the big fish to go to stumps and to have 4 wickets down was great. To see our young gun pick up a vital wicket was even better and despite Amla's review he was foxed by the inward movement of the track from Jamo.

One day to go, 6 wickets to get. Come on the Baggy Greens, so close!  

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3rd Test, South Africa versus Australia, day 2

Australian 1st innings: 7/494 from 127.4 overs
Michael Clarke 161*, David Warner 135, Steven Smith 84, Shane Watson 40

Yesterday evening Michael Clarke would have wanted to have had a bowl at the Proteas. Instead the rain came down with us just short of 500 runs and play was called off for the day. The result is that while we find ourselves in a fantastic position to win this Test, three days remain and with no great idea as to how the pitch will play from here it may be a tough ask to get 20 South African wickets, bearing in mind we may need to have a second bat, depending on their output. With some high quality bowling we may not need to.

The Proteas still have to bat so I will spare the analysis on how we can roll them. With the covers on, there may be a spongy dynamic to the wicket which, while flat, has had great carry to the keeper and variable bounce. With Dale Steyn out injured, Morne Morkel was able to showcase this area of life in the track. Unfortunately, for the Proteas, he doesn't strike me as an intelligent enough bowler to really unleash his true credentials when the track really suits him, as seen with his hostile performances but poor returns to show for it. For a player who has been at it a while now, it just feels Morkel has never lived up to his ultimate abilities as a tall, fast bowler. I am okay if we keep him at bay for much longer.

Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson will be eager to see how they go after assessing Morkel in particular, while Ryan Harris knows that knee operations isn't far away so he can go all out for this Test, and give us a special performance seeing that there is realistic risk that his playing future could be in doubt post-operations. Wish him all the best for the challenge that should come tomorrow. What a champ, Ryano!

Michael Clarke's innings was his defining one to back the "get ready for a broken f***in' arm" comment he made to James Anderson during the Ashes.

This innings showed us he is also a mentally tough player, who can take the physical blows to the body, the psychological battle to combat fear and pressure, while also believing in ones technique to still find your shots, watch the ball, and play hard to get the runs. Clarkey has 161 of these, topping his 2011 effort by 10 runs. It has been a gritty, true Test innings.

Starting the day in the 90s he was kept under pressure on 99 with some tight bowling from Kyle Abbott, but he found a way to make his way through the 21 deliveries he had to measure up against. From there, it was a fluent innings with lovely stroke play and some intensity stepped up to a level of urgency with the rain lurking about.

He was well supported by Steven Smith who continued to run between the wickets, smack the rubbish to the boundary, and just play another brilliant innings as he shapes himself as an Australian middle order batsman. He has come of age over the last 5 months and has been a joy to watch. He deserved a century but some low bounce found the bottom edge of his bat as he tried to cut Dean Elgar. It was a soft way to end a hard fought innings, a real anti-climax. Playing the number one team in the world, the dubbed best bowling attack in the world, Smithy has returned great batting figures to show the world he is a Test cricketer.

Shane Watson (who took a 5-fer at the ground in 2011) made his return and was under LBW pressure from the word "go", but he managed to get through a shaky start and then let his natural game flow in the number 6 position. He scored 40 runs with three sixes and, like Smith, deserved a milestone of sorts for a very positive innings showing intent and no doubt following team orders to get on with it and find a way to get the boundaries with the rain creeping over Table Mountain.

We lost a number of wickets passing the 400 run mark but we find ourselves 6 runs short of 500 runs, which would have been the ideal landmark to reach. However, I sense an overnight declaration. Time was lost with the rain, we have a strong grip on this match and need time to get into the batsmen. Our bowlers have had two days to stay fresh and relaxed and no doubt the game plans can be well strategised and executed with the game map well presented based on our innings.

Newland's always has an opportunity on offer for a really big team score. That is why I don't want to think too far ahead, but we've certainly done the job having won the toss and posted a big total on the scoreboard. Whether or not Clarke advances it, time will soon tell us but my gut feeling is he will look to bowl as soon as possible. I wonder how the moisture will work the Newland's track?

All in all, it's now about focusing on how to get those wickets while I personally find it exciting to see how/if this track will change character. I really don't have much more to add other than lets see how day 3 of the final Test between these two fine teams plays out.

Verdict: Having not had a bowl at the Proteas it was a lost opportunity to further drive a stake into their match claim, but with nearly 500 runs on the board and our team leader unbeaten on a monumental performance of 161 runs and the bowlers fresh and ready to go, it was our day. Up the Baggy Greens!

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3rd Test, South Africa versus Australia, day 1

Australia won the toss and decided to bat.

Australian 1st innings: 3/331 from 88.0 overs
David Warner 135, Michael Clarke 92*, Steven Smith 50*

This series has come down to the final Test at 1-1, and it's now on with us in a strong position. The 1st Test saw us dominate the Proteas on the back of Mitchell Johnson's brutal bowling efforts and their lack of preparation to combat us. However, they hit back on a flat batting track at Port Elizabeth. Despite fighting efforts from David Warner and Chris Rogers (107), Dale Steyn produced a beautiful, but deadly, spell of reverse swing bowling to roll us as we saw Durham last year.

South Africa had the momentum, but our never give in, always play for the win attitude was essential taking to the field and winning the toss was the first small victory. The final clash is at Newland's, a lovely ground.

I was at the 47 all out match in 2011 and I am pleased to write that if that were to occur this game it would seem it is likely to happen to South Africa rather than us, but we'll have to see how our bowlers go.

I felt the selection decisions to bring back in Shane Watson over Shaun Marsh, and young gun James Pattinson over Peter Siddle two smart moves. I wrote my view on Shaun Marsh during the last article and if Shane Watson is ready to bowl, use him! As for Siddle, his role when not taking wickets is to build the pressure from his end and he just hasn't been able to do it too effectively this series. As a result, with high dependency on Mitch, and Ryan Harris taking a while to find his stride, it was best to bring in a guy with a touch of extra pace and fresh on energy. Tough to leave out Peter Siddle, but the decision was bold, much to the disappointment of his Newland's fans who always chant, "Siddle is a wanker".

On the back of his century, Chris Rogers took on Dale Steyn and scored 8 runs of his first over. It was a strong statement made and David Warner followed in pursuit.

Rogers has such a tight game plan that it is inevitable that he will find good runs for us in any series, but the second innings continues to be his ideal platform.

David Warner's century was splendid and just a statement of authority out in the middle. He was fined a portion of his match fee due to a statement accusing AB de Villiers of roughing up the ball with his gloves. It's not the first time Davey has made a statement in the media against the teams wishes and slightly over the top, but it seems to be a game risk he is willing to take. It inspires him and fires him up and, as Mark Nicholas put it, it's almost the same tactic a boxer uses before a big fight. It seems to keep working for him.

Did I support David Warner's view before this game? Well, yes, seeing he scored a century, I also like the renegade, and now has a Test run this series with the following stats: 12, 115, 70, 66, 135.

He also has 874 runs for the 2013/14 season at 66.54, leading the charts.

Here's what I put on Facebook regarding his media ordeal: "Davey Warner has come out with the public comments again and has now ruffled the feathers of the easily aggravated (sensitive) South African supporters and support staff. Not sure how/if it has since been taken out of context? 

Granted, I never like the dynamic of accusing players of dodgy tactics (especially ball tampering) but I like the way Davey plays the media and creates a bit of buzz. I often like the renegade in a sportsman.

So whatever, I honestly don't care what he says, or what he says in the future - just get runs to back yourself, which he's been doing. If anything I don't mind if he says some seriously inappropriate things either. I am seriously over robotic sportsmen and corporate folk too scared of upsetting the financial Gods. 

Bring on the 3rd Test. Davey, be ready for some abuse at Newland's brother."

His century itself was loaded with confidence, self-belief and strong stroke play. He has had plenty of luck this series, but this innings was very strong come both his straight and cross bat shots, with his timing being a joy to watch. Even just a basic punch gets backed with almighty power to rocket to the boundary. His balance helped massively too. One also can't forget his running between the wickets during the 65 run opening stand with Rogers. Powerful running, with explosive take offs from the crease eager for more.

Rogers was dismissed for 25, but a very well played 25 which deserved more. His shots through the off side were well composed and compact. I liked the comparison to Justin Langer. Being a former WA player it is even more valid a point raised by Nicholas and Kepler Wessels in commentary. Keen to get some comparative footage.

Come Davey's century, a victory against the South African's and their media, it was quite standalone with Alex Doolan only contributing 20 at number 3 - who did play some very expressive shots though, favouring the pull shot which led to his downfall. A pity as he's always so patient.

Michael Clarke was in his own battle during Davey's moment of monumental success. Even beyond a century, he continued to play at the same pace and I particularly liked his six into the South Eastern stand off the bowling of JP Duminy. He took a liking to Kyle Abbott square on the offside, regularly outplaying Graeme Smith's tactical plans.

Michael Clarke had to face a brutal spell from Morne Morkel, who took over duty from Dale Steyn. Immediately Smith had his men around Clarke and they were ready for the short ball pay off. It went on for a long time, a life time for Clarkey. Mentally it was brutal given he is a bit low on confidence, trying to find his class again and he took a number of hits to the body. He was going for the evasive action tactic and not willing to play the ball, which made him look very uncomfortable. One into the forearm, another to the side of the neck, painful and lethal. It's scary to face that kind of bowling and he looked uncharacteristically out of his depth. Come a return of confidence he will be fine, but it was hard going.

However, despite the new look Morne Morkel's efforts, Clarkey faced up to it and now finds himself 8 runs short of a century, eying another at Newland's Cricket Ground. Well done Michael, that wasn't easy going for him given his lack of confidence against the bowling but he survived. It was hostile backed by the crowd. No doubt this will be a focus come his practice.

Should he get his 27th Test century, it won't be one of his best based on executing his batting skills (a diverse range at that) but rather one based on a fighting spirit to bring himself out of a pit and bring the runs for his team as they fight for a massive win.

Ladies and gentlemen, stay tuned for Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson.

The wicket has been dismissed by a number of South African supporters as flat and lifeless. Judging by their very own Morne Morkel, I disagree that while it is flat, it is not lifeless. There was plenty of bounce in this track and Morkel was quick, menacing, but due to a possible lack of tactic upon execution, was not effective - given his lack of bowling on a good length too.

Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson should take note of this. With Jamo we gain an extra 10km/h in a bowler, and this track could keep these two men well entertained. Ryan Harris seems amped and ready to go, so if he can be accurate it will just help out Mitch and Jamo to double the efforts Morkel displayed. Keep in mind Morkel didn't have Dale Steyn at the other end due to a hammy injury in the 41st over, so it would have affected his output a fair bit.

South Africa also don't have a quality spinner to turn to like we do. Newland's isn't a renowned spinners deck but there is always something to be gained from a good spinner, be it changing the game tempo, directly affecting a players rhythm, or finding enough turn to just keep a batsman concentrating.

Steven Smith has reached fifty, and is having a good series too as he continues to blossom as a batsman series in, series out. He's going well, but he has yet another fantastic opportunity to showcase his turnaround as a cricketer. It seems Smithy is loaded with chances to play significant innings in recent times. Again, I draw a comparison to Steve Waugh. Incredible given how poor Smithy's start was to his career, no thanks to the former Australian selectors.

The plan now will be to reach 400 runs, then 450. It obviously will be the plan. If we can get to this landmark, it will really put the counter-attack into perspective. South Africa still need to have a bat, obviously, but until then I won't get into too many forecasts. Reality is this start is perfect for us to push for a big score (with a few good batsmen to follow) and continually believe we can win this match.

All the best to Michael Clarke tomorrow and well done to Davey Warner. I enjoyed that innings. Up the Baggy Greens.

Verdict: Day 1 comfortably goes to us.

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