Australia v South Africa – South Africa tour of Australia (3rd Test) – Live Cricket Score and Match Update [Day 4] – Ponting makes final exit, Aus slip to 110/3 by lunch
Bringing a prolific career to an end, Ricky Ponting walked off the cricket field for the final time after being dismissed by Robin Peterson on the fourth day of Australia’s ongoing third Test against South Africa, with the home team at 110 for 3 by lunch at the WACA in Perth, today on December 3.
Currently the second-highest run-getter of all time in Test cricket, with 13366 runs from 167 matches, Ponting had previously announced his intent to call it a day after the Perth Test, and walked off the field to a standing ovation after his final innings for Australia came to an end before lunch on the fourth day.
The previous day had seen the visitors building up a massive lead during their second innings. Hashim Amla (196) and AB de Villiers (169) had dominated the earlier half, establishing a colossal 149-run partnership for the 4th wicket. Amla was eventually caught and bowled by Johnson, but de Villiers powered on, and set up another century stand, this time a 102-run partnership, with Faf du Plessis (27). The Proteas eventually managed to post a massive total of 569, setting Australia a 632-run target to chase.
Openers Ed Cowan and David Warner managed to post 40 runs on the board by stumps on day three, but were unable to extend their partnership on the fourth day of play, with Warner (29) caught out by Graeme Smith off Vernon Philander.
Cowan (37*), however, held firm, and was joined at the crease by Shane Watson (25). The partnership between the two batsmen had only reached 41 runs, when the Aussie all-rounder fell prey to Morne Morkel in the 29th over, leaving the score at 81 for 2.
The next to step up to the crease was Ponting, with the expectant crowd on their feet, hoping for a brilliant end to what had been an outstanding career. However, the great man managed a mere 8-run contribution before he was caught out by Jacques Kallis at slip, off Robin Peterson.
Skipper Michael Clarke (8*) was the next to join Cowan at the crease, and the two batsmen managed to get Australia up to 110 for 3 by lunch – still requiring 522 runs, with 7 wickets remaining.
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