South Africa v http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746: 2nd Test at Johannesburg, Day-2 – Second Session Report
Australia have reached 220 for four at tea on the second day of the final Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 at Johannesburg on Friday, November 18, 2011.
The Kangaroos undid their splendid work in the morning session and let the home side roar back into the game.
The two opening batsmen, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Phillip-Hughes-c2185, steered Australia to a commanding position by producing a fantastic 174-run-stand for the first wicket.
At the lunch break, the Aussies returned with 169 without a loss and were in the comfort zone.
Yet, the middle-session did not bring any good news for the tourists, as they lost four crucial wickets within just 25 overs.
South Africa’s first Test hero, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753 started off the party for the home side and dismissed Hughes who clattered artistic 88 under pressure.
That brought http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Usman-Khawaja-c2729 at the crease, who began his innings watchfully and let the vice-captain do the damage.
However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JH-Kallis-c1692 after making 88 runs.
After grabbing two quick wickets, the South Africans imposed heavy pressure on the Kangaroos. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377, who is a subject of criticism these days following his recent poor show, could not cope with the pressure and returned to the dressing room after
a three-ball duck. A quick delivery by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409 trapped the former Aussie skipper in front of the wickets.
Khawaja, on the other end, was as steady as ever, leaving everything outside the off-stump. The skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978, joined hands with Khawaja at the crease lashed a couple of boundaries to cut down the amount of pressure.
Yet, he could not maintain the good work and after gathering 11 runs, became Morne Morkel’s victim.
At the end of the post-lunch session, Khawaja and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MEK-Hussey-c1942 were unbeaten on 12 and eight respectively.
Since Khawaja and Hussey are the last two specialist batsmen, the Aussie team will be relying heavily on the pair to achieve any lead in the first innings.
From South Africa’s bowling department, either of Steyn, Philander, Morkel and Kallis have one wicket to their credit while the spinner, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-c64193 Tahir is yet to spark.
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