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Poulter, Scott move clear at Masters

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 17 November 2012 | 14.23

Showman ... Poulter fired a blistering third round to move into the outright lead at Kingston Heath. Source: News Limited

Australian Masters defending champion Ian Poulter will take a one-shot lead over Australia's Adam Scott into what looms as a tantalising Sunday shoot-out at Melbourne's Kingston Heath.

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Poulter came from five shots off the lead at the start of Saturday's third round, shooting an eight-under-par 64, the round of the tournament so far, to seize the outright lead on 13-under.

Scott, who started the day three shots behind fellow Queenslander Matthew Guyatt - the leader for the first two days - shot 67 to climb to 12-under-par.

Guyatt, who started the day at 10-under, could manage only a 75 to be six shots from the lead, alone in third spot on seven-under.

His playing partner, New Zealand's Michael Hendry, who was outright second on Friday night, faltered badly with a 79 to fall 12 shots from the lead.

Scott, Australia's top-ranked player, is seeking his first Masters title and first win for the year, while Englishman Poulter is coming off a victory at his last start, when he charged home to win the HSBC Champions tournament in China.

While Scott can expect to have the crowd on his side on Sunday, that is unlikely to bother Poulter.

The Englishman amply demonstrated both his ability to perform on enemy territory and his love of head-to-head battles in spearheading Europe's remarkable Ryder Cup win in Chicago in September.

He also produced some stunning golf on Saturday.

Poulter notched eight birdies in his first 15 holes, helped by outstanding work with the putter, most notably sinking a monster birdie putt from off the front of the green on the seventh.

Scott's ball-striking was the key to his climb.

By the time the pair completed the eighth hole, they had joined Guyatt in the lead and overtook him soon after, with Poulter and Scott then exchanging the lead several times on the back nine.

They both reached 13-under after they birdied the par-three 15th, at which stage Poulter was threatening to match the course record of 63.

But both he and Scott dropped a shot on the par-four 16th and Scott let another go on the 17th to leave Poulter alone at the top.

Poulter then fired in a near-perfect second shot to set up a tap-in birdie at the last with Scott holing a good-sized putt to stay within a shot.

Watch the thrilling conclusion to the Australian Masters Live and in HD from 12.30pm (EDT) Sunday on Fox Sports 3HD!


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Whincup closes in on fourth title

Closing in ... Jamie Whincup whips round a bend at Winton Motor Raceway. Source: Mark Horsburgh / News Limited

Jamie Whincup has put himself on the cusp of a fourth V8 Supercars championship with victory in Saturday's opening race at Winton in Victoria.

Holden driver Whincup beat teammate Craig Lowndes and Ford driver Lee Holdsworth in the 47-lap event.

By finishing ahead of his only championship rival Mark Winterbottom, who had a horror day, Whincup leads the season standings by 326 points.

Whincup will wrap up this year's title if he leads by more than 300 points after Sunday's race two at Winton.

Winterbottom slid from third to fourth as Holdsworth passed him on the final corner - Winterbottom's car ran out of fuel late and only just managed to cross the finish line.

He had started in pole position, but lost out to Whincup at the start.

Then a first-lap safety car, after Jason Bright crashed out, led Winterbottom's Ford Performance Racing team to immediately call him into the pits to change to soft tires.

While the tires were faster, Winterbottom lost several positions with the pit stop and struggled to get out of the mid-pack.

Meanwhile, Whincup's Team Vodafone kept him on a hard compound tire and, while he lost the lead to Ford driver James Moffat on lap six, he stayed in touch with the frontrunners throughout.

He eventually pitted on lap 26 for his change to soft tires, and the strategy proved a winning move.

Whincup took the lead from Moffat with 11 laps remaining - the Dick Johnson Racing driver eventually sliding to fifth place after leading for most of the race.

Earlier, Winterbottom had posted the fastest time in qualifying, outspeeding Whincup with a 1min 23.1443sec lap to Whincup's 1:23.3019 to secure pole position.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Unknown Aussie sets Masters pace

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 16 November 2012 | 14.23

Surprise leader ... Guyatt has tamed the tough Kingston Heath layout over two rounds. Source: News Limited

Instead of surprise Australian Masters leader Matthew Guyatt falling back to the pack in Friday's second round, it was tournament favourites Adam Scott and Ian Poulter who couldn't match him.

Instead of surprise Australian Masters leader Matthew Guyatt falling back to the pack in Friday's second round, it was tournament favourites Adam Scott and Ian Poulter who couldn't match him.

And two of the event's other drawcards - Irishman Graeme McDowell and two-time winner Robert Allenby - crashed out of contention.

Guyatt started the day at seven under par with a two-shot lead over Australia's top-ranked player Scott, English defending champion Poulter and New Zealand's Michael Hendry.

By the end of the second round, Guyatt had reached 10-under on the back of a three-under-par 69 and Hendry was the only player still within two shots of him, in outright second spot.

Poulter was left fuming after managing only an even par round of 72 on Friday to fall five shots off the pace.

"I've left quite a few shots out on the golf course and I'm not very happy," the world No.16 said.

Scott, the world No.5, at one stage late in his round climbed to eight-under but a dropped shot on the par-three 15th meant he finished seven under, in third spot, three shots adrift of Guyatt.

That means 37-year-old world No.1474 Guyatt will get his wish of playing in Saturday's final group with Hendry instead of Scott, which he feared might have been more intimidating.

"I don't know whether I'd relish and thrive under it actually, I just don't know," Guyatt said, before learning who his third-round partner would be.

"I actually said to my caddie - it was looking like Mike Hendry might be the guy I get paired with - I said that wouldn't be bad because I've travelled a little bit on OneAsia this year with Mike and get along well with him.

"That might be a good initiation into the final group rather than a Poulter or an Adam Scott or someone like that where the crowds are going to be heavily increased."

While Scott and Poulter are still well in contention and expected to play together in Saturday's penultimate group, McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, had a horror day.

Despite starting with an eagle and a birdie he shot 77 to be four-over, enough to just scrape through the cut, his last 15 holes including six bogeys and a double-bogey.

Out-of-form two-time Masters winner Allenby looked set to miss the weekend, before birdying the last to also be four-over.

Watch the third round of the Australian Masters Live and in HD from 12.30pm (EDT) Saturday on Fox Sports 3HD!


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows dodge draft bullet for now

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Bit of relief ... Brenton Sanderson is all smiles for now. Source: Simon Cross / News Limited

Adelaide Crows will keep all their picks in this year's draft after the AFL agreed to delay its hearing into claims of salary cap cheating.

A new hearing date is yet to be set but the league advised on Friday that next Thursday's national draft "will go ahead as normal".

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The Crows, expected to be stripped of picks as a penalty for illegal payments to forward Kurt Tippett, have selections 20, 54 and 64 in this year's draft.

The club, Tippett and officials Steven Trigg, John Reid and Phil Harper face a total of 11 charges relating to an alleged secret agreement with Tippett when he signed a new contract in 2009.

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The deal allegedly involved third-party payments of up to $300,000, unapproved third-party deals with Crows sponsors including Balfours Pies, and a promise to trade Tippett to a club of his choice for a second-round draft pick when the three-year contract expired.

The deal ran out this year and Tippett shocked the club by asking to be traded to Sydney Swans. The Crows stalled on the Swans' offer of a late first-round draft pick and fringe forward Jesse White, plunging the club into crisis.

The latest charges were laid on Thursday and the club and Harper requested more time to prepare their defence.

The Crows, football manager Harper, chief executive Trigg and former football operations manager Reid will all be represented separately at the commission hearing.

"The AFL has today advised the Club and Mr Harper, as well as Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and Adelaide Crows-listed player Kurt Tippett, that the Commission will provide the requested extra time, and that the hearing will not proceed on Monday as previously scheduled, to ensure that natural justice is provided," the league said in a statement.

"A new hearing date is yet to be set, but will be advised to all parties, the media and the wider football public as soon as it is determined.

"The 2012 NAB AFL draft will proceed as scheduled next week, Thursday November 22. The AFL has no further comment to make at this time."


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Find me an A-League club: Kewell

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 15 November 2012 | 14.23

Return ... Harry Kewell, playing for the Victory last season, wants another crack at the A-League. Source: AAP

It looks increasingly likely that Harry Kewell will return to the A-League, but not until next year, with the Socceroos star telling his agents to find him a club for next season.

Despite much courting by A-League clubs in recent weeks, reported talks with the likes of Adelaide United, Perth Glory and Melbourne Heart have all come to nothing and the former Liverpool forward has resigned himself to waiting a year for another crack in his homeland.

Rob Smith, part of his management team in Australia, said Kewell wants to return to the A-League after enjoying his first spell with Melbourne Victory, but for the remainder of this season he will continue to target European clubs.

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"I don't have the detail but we all hope that the family situation is becoming less of an issue because the reality is that Harry is keen to return and play in the A-League next season," The World Game reported Smith as saying.

"He is still hoping that something comes up in Europe in the interim but beyond that the A-League is something that really appeals to Harry.

Kewell hasn't played club football since leaving the Victory at the end of last season, opting out of a $1 million extension to stay there for another year and instead returning to Europe due to his mother-in-law's battle with cancer.

However he has as of yet failed to secure a deal with any British clubs and is conscious that lack of football could cost him a place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, should the Socceroos qualify.

"He really enjoyed his stint last season with Melbourne Victory," Smith said.

"Hopefully there is some movement in terms of spots becoming available at clubs (in the A-League) and Harry can get serious about Australia again because it's on his agenda."

With the season already under way most A-League clubs would struggle to fit Kewell's expensive terms under their salary caps. But many would likely use the off-season reshuffle in 2013 to make room for the man voted Australia's greatest-ever footballer.

That said, Kewell is aware that his ever-increasing time on the sidelines will affect demand for him as he becomes a bigger risk.

"There is definitely interest in Australia for Harry," added Smith. "But, of course, the longer he is out of the game, the harder it becomes to get back into it."


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tyson in town to chew ears

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Baddest man down under ... Mike Tyson in Brisbane on Thursday. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

Mike Tyson wants to chew your ear. But it's not what you think.

Tyson, in Australia for a national speaking tour, promises the Aussie slang term for a long chat is the closest he will get to his now infamous bite on Evander Holyfield.

The former world heavyweight champion once pummelled men into a pulp for a living - now he wants to get touchy feely.

"The message of my show would be no matter what adversity hits you in life, don't give up - that's the only time you will lose," he said.

"Someone can be a champion and never have a title."

Tyson even hoped Holyfield would eventually lend an ear - for advice - after hearing the four-time champion had hit tough times financially.

"We all have to endure some kind of pain," Tyson said.

"I like Evander. Evander's going to be all right.

"It's all about embracing yourself and looking for happiness through that.

"I learned that lesson. If I can make it in what has been a pretty interesting life he can do it as well."

Tyson knows all about overcoming adversity.

After winning his first 37 professional bouts he was surprisingly knocked out by Buster Douglas in 1990, sparking a downward spiral.

He was jailed for rape in 1992, admitted to squandering up to $300 million and then there was the ear bite in 1997.

Numerous comebacks followed before he retired for good in 2005, aged 39.

Seven years later he says: "I am the same guy. I just grew up a little bit."

Women's groups and community leaders are disgusted the Australian government gave him a visa.

However, Tyson did his best to portray a person very different to the boxer once considered "the baddest man on the planet".

When a koala named Tracy was brought out for a promotional photo 'Iron Mike' - who once owned three tigers - couldn't bear to cuddle her.

"I have seen the TV show When Good Animals Turn Bad," he smiled.

"They also carry bacteria."

His tour will also take in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Copeland injured while 12th man

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 14 November 2012 | 14.23

Bad luck ... Copeland is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after his unfortunate fall. Source: News Limited

With one slip of the foot, NSW swing bowler Trent Copeland ensured himself a place among an unfortunate group of elite athletes to have suffered injuries in the most bizarre circumstances.

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Perhaps unlucky to be named 12th man for the Blues' Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria, the former Test bowler's luck hit rock bottom when he suffered a high-grade lateral ligament strain in his left ankle in the most unlikely of scenarios - carrying the drinks out to his teammates.

Realising he'd forgotten to get a helmet for batsman Brad Haddin with the new ball approaching, Copeland attempted to turn on the stairs near the dressing room - and ended up in a crumpled heap.

"I'm a little bit embarrassed about it," Copeland said on Wednesday.

"... I've copped plenty of stick from the support staff and also from my family and my wife (netballer Kim Green).

"She likes to think that I'm clumsy at the best of times.

"It's one of those things where I've run up and down those stairs so many times. Nothing was different. I was just probably caught up in the moment when it happened. You can't change it. Life goes on."

In doing so, he joined the likes of Geelong's dual-premiership winner Brad Ottens, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and Canberra youngster Jack Wighton in the not-so-exclusive club.

Wighton missed half of last year's NRL season with a toe injury suffered while jumping on the backyard trampoline and Ferdinand hurt his knee reaching for a phone while sitting on the couch.

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Ottens was putting up a hammock in his backyard when he fell from a ladder and impaled himself on a garden stake.

Countless sports stars have hurt knees, backs and - in former North Melbourne defender Josh Gibson's case - his head, while slipping over in the shower.

But perhaps the most ridiculous bathroom injury came when Spanish goalkeeper Santiago Canizares dropped a bottle of aftershave on his foot - severing a tendon and causing him to miss the 2002 World Cup.

Copeland's concerns are more immediate, however, with a six-week stint on the sidelines awaiting him, ruling him out of NSW's Shield match against Queensland starting on November 27.

Complicating matters is the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League season which starts on December 7, with Shield matches suspended until late January.

Copeland, far more proficient with the red ball than the white, does not have a Big Bash team and might not play competitive cricket again until the Blues' clash with West Australia on January 24.

It's a far cry from the bowler who dominated the 2010-11 Shield season, taking 45 wickets to force his way into the Australia Test set-up before being dropped after taking just six wickets in three Tests.

But the 26-year-old definitely still sees Test cricket in his future.

"For me, nothing's changed and I've no doubt that - given the right scenario - I can still play Test cricket," he said.

"Whether that's this summer or whether that's in two years time, I don't know.

"I've definitely still got aspirations and I know Pup (Australia captain Michael Clarke) still knows I want to play and so would everyone else in Australian cricket."


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

I'm not threatened by Folau: Hayne

Unthreatened ... Jarryd Hayne at an Eels pre-season session on Wednesday. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne is more concerned with getting his body right for the opening round of the NRL season than the threat Israel Folau could pose to his Eels No.1 jumper.

Hayne confirmed fullback remained his preferred position, but said he was aiming to get himself into the physical and mental shape necessary to handle whatever new coach Ricky Stuart asked of him next season.

While he has yet to sign with the Eels, Folau has been heavily linked with a move to Parramatta, with speculation he could make a play for fullback duties in 2013 and push Hayne to five-eighth.

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Hayne battled knee problems last year and is working on building up muscle bulk in his legs over the summer.

The NSW Origin star is expecting to have his first full pre-season since he was a teenager, but will leave it up to  Stuart to make the hard calls on positions and team captaincy - both matters which affect Hayne.

"If I get my body right, I can play anywhere and that's my biggest concern,'' Hayne told AAP.

"I haven't had (a pre-season) where I've been able to partake from day one since I was 17.

"If I can get through it, it will do wonders for me. So really hoping to prepare my body as best I can.''

Hayne has run into Folau at church recently and knows the recently ex-GWS Giant is desperate to get back into the league environment.

The 24-year-old said fullback would be a major challenge for a man returning to the code after two seasons out and said speculation surrounding Folau has brought a mixture of excitement and anxiety to Parramatta.

"There's boys here who, if he comes, are going to be out of the team, so yes and no,'' said Hayne.

"I don't think I've ever seen him play fullback so it would be a test.

"But with the hunger he's got and the desire to get back into the game, he'll be good wherever he plays.''


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

As it happened: AUS v SA, T1, D5

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 13 November 2012 | 14.23

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Nathan Lyon ... enjoys some success with the ball late on day five. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Australia and South Africa have ended the first Test in a draw with a rained-out second day thwarting the home side's late push for victory on day five.

1st Test - Gabba

9 November 2012 - Day 5, Session 3

South Africa 2nd Innings

A. de Villier... 29 114 4 0 25.44
V. Philander 1 14 0 0 7.14
J. Pattinson 19 3 58 2 3.05

Australia's bowlers will take plenty of heart out of their performance with the ball on day five, claiming five South African wickets on a good batting pitch.

But the star of the day was undoubtedly Michael Clarke, the skipper notching an unbeaten 259 to claim Man of the Match honours.

Complete

First ball: 11:00 AM November 9, 2012
Location: Gabba

Match Summary

Australia: 5/565
South Africa: 9/450 & 5/166

Re-live the action with our LIVE and INTERACTIVE blog.

We were lucky enough to be joined by Fox Sports Cricket expert and Inside Cricket panelist Damien Fleming during the lunch break, with The Bowlologist reflecting on a tough five days for the quick bowlers.

You can also check out all the stats, pitch maps and wagon wheels at our Cricket Match Centre.


Latest comments (all times AEDT)

1757: So the first Test ends in a stalemate with both sides dominating periods of the match. After an indifferent start, Australia will take plenty of confidence into next week's second Test in Adelaide. Michael Clarke is adjudged Man of the Match for his dazzling 259 not out, while Ed Cowan and Michael Hussey can't be forgotten for their brilliant tons. With the ball, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle both enjoyed some success but bowled consistently throughout, while Nathan Lyon found his groove late on the final day. Thanks again for joining us for this first Test at the Gabba and I look forward to guiding you through the action in Adelaide from next Thursday. Until then, Trent Hile signing off.

1752: And that will do us. Michael Clarke decides that he's seen enough and the match will finish in a draw.

1740: As the Proteas fight for survival, Geoff Longhurst says: Why hasn't there been much if any attention given to the constant mistakes made by the Umpires during this Test regarding the number of Balls in an over? I think Rauf has made this mistake at least 5 times and has been corrected on another 2 occasions by the third Umpire. Fair dinkum, if an Umpire can't count to 6 then he shouldn't be standing in a Test.

Trent says: Fair point Geoff. I guess you can excuse an umpire for getting it wrong a couple of times during the furnace of a five-day Test, but that's getting a bit too much. What is really starting to get on my nerves though is the constant going upstairs to check for no-balls. It's getting to NRL video referee-type proportions where it holds up the game and takes the spectacle out of dismissals.

1731: WICKET! (Rudolph 11 LBW Lyon, SA 5/165) Well that's a curve ball late in the game. Jacques Rudolph is caught on the crease and is hit on the back pad in front of the stumps, with Asad Raud giving it out, then checking the no-ball before determining there are no problems with it. Another wicket in this over would make things interesting.

1756: While the Quiney family are no doubt on the edge of their seats watching Bobby amble in off 10 paces, I think this is just about over. They might call it quits sooner rather than later.

1717: Rob Quiney into the attack. Can the debutante jag a wicket with his medium pacers?

1714: FOUR! Lyon is starting to turn the ball so De Villiers responds by using his feet, coming down the track and flicking Lyon neatly over mid-wicket for another four.

1703: So at this stage, we should have roughly 25 overs left; 10 more, then a guaranteed 15 in the final hour.

1702: FOUR! FOUR! Pattinson drops short and De Villiers helps himself to a pull shot which sails to the rope at mid-wicket. Next ball, Pattinson is again short but this time on the off-side. De Villiers crunches the ball to the point boundary. Two terrific shots. SA 4/151

1657: FOUR! De Villiers drives Siddle confidently through the off-side for a boundary. He shapes as the key wicket for Australia.

1650: APPEAL! NOT OUT: Siddle again, this time to Jacques Rudolph but that clearly pitched outside leg stump.

1648: APPEAL! NOT OUT: Siddle appeals for an LBW against De Villiers but there was a big inside edge onto pad.

1644: WICKET! (Kallis 49 c Clarke b Lyon, SA 4/129) Lyon pitches up and Kallis attempts to defend on the front stool, but the ball kicks up and catches the shoulder of his bat, popping up to Michael Clarke at first slip who takes a great catch. That should do Lyon's confidence the world of good. The danger man is gone and now South Africa's final recongnised batsman comes to the crease. Perhaps there's some life left in this game?

1634: Nathan Lyon back into the attack. This could be a telling spell for the young off-spinner. I can't see the Adelaide pitch offering a great deal more than this. He kicks off with a tidy enough over, three runs from it.

1627: Pattinson shakes up Kallis with a short one that rears up at his gloves. Kallis does well to control it towards the ground.

1622: De Villiers and Kallis look to be doing it comfortably against the quicks. Who does Clarke turn to next?

1606: So in response to my earlier question about Australia's side for the second Test, Cam of QLD says: I think we need to drop Hilfy for the next test. He hasn't looked threatening at all. Bring in Starc for some left arm variety, or Ben Cutting, he has been bowling brilliantly for the last year and a half. Anyone know why he seems to have fallen out of favour after being 12th man last year?

Trent says: Hilfy certainly looks the weak link in the pace attack. He hasn't swung the ball and his action seems to be creeping towards that round arm we saw before his return. You can just about lock Starc in. In regards to Cutting, he was off the scene for most of last season with a side strain. Unfortunately, he hasn't quite recaptured that form this season. The likes of Josh Hazlewood and Jackson Bird are now ahead of him in the pecking order.

1603: We're back after the break with South Africa leveling the scores in the first over after tea. Australia need a breakthrough early in this final session or we could see the captains agree to call it off prematurely.

1540: TEA: It's time for an afternoon coffee. When we return, I'm keen to hear your thoughts on this persistence from Hilfenhaus to bowl from around the wicket. Also, should there be any changes to the Aussie side for the second Test?

1537: Hilfenhaus takes the ball for the final over before tea. Can anyone give me a good reason why he continues bowl from around the wicket? Absolute madness in my opinion.

1532: The dangerman James Pattinson returns for a quickfire spell before tea.

1529: FOUR! Hilfenhaus drops a man back to deep backward-square and responds accordingly by dropping short to Kallis. He pulls it away to the mid-wicket fence. Clarke drops a second man back and almost has success with Kallis playing an uncontrolled pull shot which falls safely, short of the fielder.

1523: Lyon out of the attack as Hilfenhaus returns.

1517: WICKET! (Amla c Hussey b Siddle 38, SA 3/102) Siddle finally gets the breakthrough. Amla drives to a full-pitched delivery but only succeeds in finding Michael Hussey at short cover who makes no mistake. AB De Villiers comes to the crease.

1514: SIX! FOUR! Kallis dances down the track an disposes of Lyon in similar fashion to Amla in the previous over. He follows up with an almost identical shot, this time blazing it flat for one bounce and four. An expensive over for Lyon with 18 runs from it. SA 2/102

1510: FOUR! Lyon to Kallis. Kallis sweeps and sweeps well, finding the gap behind square for another boundary.

1504: SIX! Amla uses his feet beautifully to get to the pitch of the ball, hoisting Lyon over the rope at long-on for six. SA 2/81

1502: A change of pace now with Nathan Lyon introduced into the attack for the first time today. It will be interesting to see whether he can get anything out of this seemingly dead wicket.

1500: FOUR! Siddle catches Kallis out with another bouncer, this time he attempts to hook but gets a thick edge which sails to the fine leg boundary. There were suggestions before the series that the Aussies might try to work Kallis over with the short ball. While they haven't had any sucess yet, it looks like it could pay dividends at some stage.

1454: Hot Spot shows no sign of any glove or arm. The umpires are certainly earning their cheques today.

1452: APPEAL! NOT OUT! Siddle has Kallis rearing away on the back foot with a well-directed bouncer. There's suggestion of it perhaps catching the glove or helmet on the way through to Matt Wade, but it's a difficult one for Umpire Rauf who deems Kallis not-out.

1439: APPEAL! NOT OUT! Another one turned down. Siddle beats Amla with a jaffa and the Aussies go up in unison for a caught behind. Umpire Rauf doesn't agree and Siddle is furious. Replays show it went within a whisker of the bat but it's uncertain whether there was an edge. That's also drinks. SA 2/65

1437: FOUR! Amla crunches Siddle through cover-point for a boundary.

1423: APPEAL! NOT OUT! Hilfenhaus goes straight through the new man Jacques Kallis with a ripper. There's another big appeal from behind the wicket for  caught-behind, but Billy Bowden says no. Clarke goes for the referral. The replay shows the ball was nowhere near the bat, with a flick of the back pad providing the noise. Kallis was outside the line, so there's no hope of an LBW either.

1619: WICKET! (Smith 23 c Quiney b Pattinson, SA 2/55) Pattinson gets his man as Smith is lured into a drive, but he is caught short by the length and edges to Rob Quiney at gully who snares a terrific catch to his right. I wonder how much influence the verbal sparring had on the Proteas skipper?

1409: Bit of feeling out there in the middle now. As Pattinson runs in and delivers, Smith pulls away late due to a bird flying across the pitch. Pattinson has a bit to say to the Proteas skipper. The next ball is a bouncer and Smith receives another spray from Pattinson. Umpire Rauf steps in and asks Michael Clarke to keep his young fast bowler in line. Good luck with that, Michael.

1357: APPEAL! NOT OUT! Amla pushes back to Pattinson, missing the ball through to Matt Wade but there's a noise and the Aussies go up confidently. Asad Rauf doesn't agree and Clarke opts for the DRS challenge. Replays suggest Amla clipped his bat on pad but there's no sign of an edge.

1354: FOUR! Siddle drops short and wide outside the off stump and Amla helps himself to a cut-shot behind point for a boundary. Siddle follows up with a big no-ball.

1350: FOUR! Amla unleashes with a perfectly-timed cover drive to send further "what-ifs" fluttering through James Pattinson's head. SA 1/39

1641: As the players begin to filter back out onto the Gabba after enjoying their lunch break, we wish Damien Fleming well and thank him for his time this afternoon.

Flem says: Pleasure guys. Let's chat again in the next Test.

Trent says: Damien is a regular panelist on Fox Sports' Inside Cricket program on Monday nights at 8.30pm and a key commentator for Fox Sports coverage of the Big Bash League. He says he'll be back in the blog for the next Test as well.

1639: Issac asks: Hey guys I'm 16 years old I was wondering what are the best ways of becoming a faster bowler?

Flem says: Thanks for the half volley outside off stump Issac! Straight away download my bowlologist app from the iTunes store. You'll find how to bowl quicker how to swing it both ways, how to bowl varieties like cutters and slower balls, bouncers and yorkers. It's bowlology gold!

1635: John asks: You have been on a quest to find the perfect replacement for corridor of uncertainty, what are your top three so far, and have you got a new quest?

Flem says: I'm still out there trying. I've tried to get the leg bye banned but the ICC won't let me. It's a batsman's error , there shouldn't be runs in that, should there? The other day Glenn McGrath credited me with coming up with the saying "corridor of uncertainty". That's not right of course. So far my No.1 one is  avenue of apprehension, No.2 is the doorway to departure and No.3, the strip of vindaloo (not sure if there are runs in it or not). No, that should be number one. The best thing is I asked ABC listeners to tweet them in and they came up with those, now I just pretend I invented them. It's great!

1632: Trudey of Wagga asks: Mitch Johnson seems to be being spoken about in the national frame again, has he had his chance or is there more to come from him?

Flem says: The blueprint for Mitchell Johnson is Ben Hilfenhaus last summer. He'd had a disappointing Ashes, went back, straightened his action and forced his way back with pure wickets and had a cracking summer against India. The way MJ comes back is the same way: through Shield cricket. He's too young and too fit with too many wickets on the board to write off at this stage.

1329: Jakoby of Roseville asks: Can you believe South Africa went in without a spinner, and will Tahir be back next time?

Flem says: If South Africa have any sense Tahir will be rolling his arm over in the Adelaide nets right now. It was too conservative. There was no need for a fourth seamer when you have Kallis. Tahir does bowl a lot of four balls and I don't think he'd trouble the top four or five, but his wrong-un would be like krypotonite to the lower order. He'll be back in Adelaide.

1326: Nicky Pell of Dural asks: This Gabba track is a bit of a road , what was the most unforgiving track you ever bowled on?

Flem says: Easy. Any pitch that Mark Taylor scores 334 on, particularly  late Mark Taylor, we all know that's not a seamer's paradise. Rumours are that stadium was brought down and they used that pitch as their highway.

1322: Fingers of Leichhardt asks: Hi Flem, do you think any of the Aussies are under pressure to hold their spot for the second Test?

Flem says: If Watson's fit there'll be one out. Although Mickey Arthur says if Watson can't bowl, it'll be Warner or Quiney who misses out. You'd imagine that it will be Quiney… as he was a replacement I see that as an easy substitution.

1318: Don Dilley of Bathurst asks: Flem what do you make of these fast bowlers continuing to take wickets with no-balls? Michael Clarke must be ripping his hair out. Is it really so hard to stay behind the line?

Flem says: Im a fan of the DRS getting rid of the howlers. We've seen in the past players lose confidence in umpires and theres more aggro. When it came in I was thjnking about the effect at the batting end not the bowlers end. In years gone past we were pretty lazy in training, bowling no balls and that's preparing you to do it in a game. The umpires can help, if umps call them when they see them it will get bowlers back behind the line. You need proactive umpires to get bolwers behind the line

1300: LUNCH: Well after a few nervous moments, the Proteas have survived to lunch with just the loss of Alviro Petersen. Michael Clarke will be shaking his head over another no-ball which has cost his side a crucial wicket. South Africa are 1/31, still trailing by 84 runs.  Grab yourself a bite to eat, but don't go too far away as Damien Fleming will be joining us shortly. Get through your questions now!

1259: FOUR! Smith makes the most of a 'freebie' on his leg-stump, gliding it past fine-leg for a boundary.

1250: WICKET! Wait ... NO BALL! Oh no, it's happened again. James Pattinson has Hashim Amla out bowled after chopping-on a full and wide delivery. But Asad Rauf wants to check the no-ball and sure enough, Pattinson overstepped.

1247: Guys, just a reminder that we have former Test seamer Damien Fleming joining us in the lunch break to answer your questions from about 1.15pm. Make sure you get your questions through to Fox Sports' resident bowlologist by either posting a comment or firing an email through to blogs@foxsports.com.au.

1244: CLOSE! Siddle squares-up Smith with a good delivery that catches the outside edge, but it falls just short of Michael Hussey at third slip.

1238: Siddle is welcomed into the attack for the first time today, with Hilfenhaus switching over the wicket to the left-handed Smith. I think that's a good move. If he's going to get Smith out LBW with his usual in-swinger to the left-hander, then he needs to do it bowling from over the wicket.

1237: We've had a few responses to Peter's earlier query about the Pattinson seven-ball over:

Sam says: Peter Thomas, ball 1 was a no ball apparently...

Stooge of CQ: Trent, first ball from Pattinson was a no-ball...

1229: FOUR! Smith gets a reprieve with Hilfenhaus overpitching, allowing him to simply lean on an on-drive which eventually finds the rope at long-on. SA 1/16

1227: Glenda and Kim email in with their support for the home side: Let's hope that JP can clean up the South African bats like did against Qld a couple of weeks ago. C'MON AUSSIES!!!!!!!!

1223: APPEAL! NOT OUT!: Pattinson pitches one up to Amla who is caught on the pads in front. Looks good from the naked eye, but Billy Bowden rightly adjudges that Amla got an inside edge.

1217: Here's an interesting spot from Peter Thomas of Australia: Nice 7 ball over for Pattinson's first. First 2 on leg stump, 1 on off stump, 1 wicket and 3 to the new bowler, that's 7.

Trent says: Did anyone else notice that?

1209: Close! Amla is beaten by a beauty first-up from Pattinson.

1207: WICKET! (Petersen 5 c Wade b Pattinson SA 1/6) And there is the early breakthrough! Pattinson bowls an enticing out-swinger at a driveable length and Petersen can't help himself, but only manages to find the outside edge with Wade accepting a simple catch. Great new-ball bowling from Pattinson. Perfect start from Australia.

1201: Ben Hilfenhaus takes the new ball. He might well be bowling for a spot in the second Test.

1158: The Aussies are bouncing around with energy as they take the field; interesting to see Ricky Ponting in the centre of the huddle, no doubt telling the boys that this one is far from over. Australia lead by 115. I wonder what sort of approach the Proteas will take? It can be dangerous to shut up shop for the afternoon in situations like this...

1150: AUSTRALIA DECLARE: Wait, hold the phone ... Clarke has declared! The skipper heads for the sheds with Australia 5/565, a lead of 115. Clarke remains not out on 259 and Wade undefeated on 19.

1149: As the players enjoy a well-earned drink, Rippersportspro of NSW says: To add even more trivia, Clarke needs another 41 runs to become the first batsman to score two triple centuries in a calendar year.

1141: FOUR! Wow! Steyn offers Wade a bit of width outside off stump and the left-hander clobbers him through cover and to the ropes. That's almost the shot of the morning. Wade looks the goods.

1137: FOUR! What a shot by Matt Wade! The nuggety keeper clubs a drive straight back at Rory Kleinveldt who does a good job to avoid being clocked in the head. FOUR AGAIN! The next ball, Kleinveldt drops short and Wade plays an uppercut that sails over backward point and to the fence. AUS 5/550

1134: A terrific piece of fielding from that man again, Faf du Plessis, prevents a certain boundary to Matthew Wade. He's certainly got some Jonty Rhodes about him.

1131: I've just been informed that we'll have another special treat for you in today's lunch break, with former Test quick and Fox Sports commentator Damien Fleming joining us for a live chat. Make sure you get your questions in for Flem now, by emailing blogs@foxsports.com.au or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

1126: FOUR! FOUR! Clarke clips Steyn over mid-wicket with ease for another four. The next ball, he goes straight back over Steyn's head and the ball falls just short of the rope. That's 250 to the skipper.

1125: Dale Steyn is introduced into the attack for the first time today.

1120: Glenn of Fremantle says: Hi Trent, Not sure why Graham Smith would be looking so unhappy about the LBW against Hussey... If it hit's inside edge it hits inside edge! Can shake his head all he wants but the DRS is there for that kind of thing so not so sure what he's so upset about except the fact they have been batted out of the game.

Trent says: No doubt the signs of a frustrated skipper after chasing leather for more than a day and a half.

1111: WICKET! (Hussey 100, c du Plessis b Morkel, AUS 5/527) Well it's certainly all happening at the Gabba. After surviving a nervous few minutes, Michael Hussey eventually succumbs to Morne Morkel after finding Faf du Plessis at cover who takes a difficult low catch. That brings Matthew Wade to the crease for his first Test dig on Aussie soil.

1109: CENTURY TO HUSSEY! Well talk about a dramatic way to bring up three-figure. Hussey knocks one to point, setting off for a quick single and the throw just misses at Clarke's end. He brings up his ton off 128 balls in an important knock in the context of his career. AUS 4/527

1106: APPEAL! NOT OUT! REFERRAL... STILL NOT OUT! Hussey is caught on the crease to Philander and the ball cannons into his back pad. The Proteas appeal enthusiastically but umpire Billy Bowden is unmoved. The replay looks horrible for Huss and he looks set to go ... until Hot Spot reveals a feint edge! That's a close call for Mr Cricket.

1105: Hussey cuts in the air but it lands safely. It pulls up short of the rope but he picks up three to move to 99.

1102: Hussey glides one through backward point, picking up three to move to 96. Another Morkel delivery stays low to Clarke, but he manages to keep it out. AUS 4/522

1101: James of Sydney asks: Hi Trent. Just wondering what the pitch looks like? still as flat as a tack?

Trent says: It looks like it's starting to crack up. There's some inconsistent bounce. Morkel's last over saw two almost identical shorter-pitched balls - the first one Clarke tried to pull but stayed low, almost hitting the top of his off-stump; the second reared and hit him in the stomach. The Aussie quicks certainly won't mind seeing this.

1053: FOUR! There it is. Clarke lofts Morkel straight back over his head and to the fence. With that shot he moves to 239 and overtakes Alastair Cook (235*) as the holder of the highest score at the Gabba. Morkel doesn't like that too much, following up with two short ones that collect Clarke in the stomach then shoulder. Ouch.

1052: Here's an interesting piece of trivia thanks to Rippersportspro of NSW: Providing he gets 236 or above, the Gabba will be the second ground in Australia where the highest individual score in a Test match belongs to Michael Clarke.

1050: FOUR! Hussey moves to 93 with a trademark cover drive.

1045: The big question this morning is how many does Clarke need to declare? He hinted last night that he wanted something around a 100-run lead before letting his attack loose. If you were in Clarke's shoes, what would you do?

1038: FOUR! Clarke punches an over-pitched Morkel delivery through the covers and to the rope to move to 232. That's the 200 partnership up between these pair (203 to be exact) and it's come off just 233 balls.

1034: Morne Morkel takes the ball from the other end and beats Clarke with a short one first up.

1031: FOUR! Well no mucking about this morning, Clarke adds to his overnight score of 218 with a cracking square drive off the third ball of the day. He finishes the over by picking up three with a neat on-drive to finish Vernon Philander's opening over. AUS 4/494

1000: Welcome back to foxsports.com.au's LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of the first Test between Australia and South Africa at the Gabba. Trent Hile joining you in the chair for the first time this summer, and hoping Michael Clarke and Graeme Smith can conjure up a thrilling conclusion to this first Test. Clarke and Michael Hussey will resume at 4/487, 37 runs ahead of the Proteas.

Don't forget that you can join the conversation by posting a comment below or sending an email to me at blogs@foxsports.com.au.


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Gillies, Simpkin get lifelines

Free agent ... Melbourne snaps up former Geelong defender Tom Gillies. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Melbourne has added to its import army by signing delisted Geelong defender Tom Gillies.

FREE AGENT DEALS

Chris Knights (Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Brendon Goddard (St Kilda): Signed with Essendon

Quinten Lynch (West Coast): Signed with Collingwood

Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide): Signed with Fremantle

Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Shannon Byrnes (Geelong): Signed with Melbourne

Brent Moloney (Melbourne) : Signed with Brisbane

Tom Murphy (Hawthorn): Signed with Gold Coast

Jared Rivers (Melbourne): Signed with Geelong

Clinton Young (Hawthorn): Signed with Collingwood

Tom Gillies (Geelong): Signed with Melbourne

Jonathan Simpkin (Geelong): Signed with Hawthorn

Gillies, 22, was signed to a one-year deal as a delisted free agent before Tuesday's 2pm deadline.

All players cut from club lists automatically became delisted free agents and could be recruited by other teams.

The 192cm defender has been training with the Demons.

"As a big bodied, tall defender, Tom fills a need within our playing group," Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington told the club's website.

"Having been part of the AFL system for four years and entering his fifth, we believe Tom has a lot to offer the Melbourne Football Club."

Gillies played 13 games for the Cats but couldn't crack a regular senior berth and his prospects dived when Geelong snapped up Jared Rivers from Melbourne to cover for retired full-back Matthew Scarlett.

The two clubs have swapped several players this post-season, with another former Cat Shannon Byrnes now a Demon.

Melbourne dumped a host of underperforming youngsters and has brought in experienced players from other clubs including Chris Dawes, David Rodan and Cam Pederson.

Gillies and Byrnes' former teammate Jonathan Simpkin also found a new home on the final day of the delisted free agency period.

The 25-year-old goalkicking midfielder was squeezed off the Cats' rookie list after playing four games in 2012 while also winning his second best and fairest with Geelong's VFL team.

Hawks recruiting manager Graham Wright said the former Colac junior had impressed during the VFL finals.

"He has good speed and endurance, and will add to our midfield depth," Wright said.

The second AFL list lodgement deadline is on Thursday, ahead of the AFL National Draft a week late on November 22.


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Live: AUS v SA, first Test, D4

Written By Unknown on Senin, 12 November 2012 | 14.23

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All action ... Hussey and Clarke continued the good work on day four. Source: Dan Peled / AAP

Australia will look to mount a fightback on day four of the first Test against South Africa at the Gabba, and you can follow it all with our live blog or with our Cricket Match Centre, which features all the stats, ball-tracker graphics and key information you'll need.

1st Test - Gabba

9 November 2012 - Day 4, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

M. Clarke 201 340 19 0 59.12
M. Hussey 82 102 11 0 80.39
D. Steyn 25.1 3 98 1 3.89

Day three was dominated by South Africa, as their batsmen racked up a total of 450 before taking three early wickets in Australia's innings.

But there's still hope for Australia, with a solid platform laid for their batsmen to be able to make enough runs to avoid the follow on and potentially play out a draw.

Live

First ball: 11:00 AM November 9, 2012
Location: Gabba

Match Summary

Australia: 4/466
South Africa: 9/450

Either way, day four promises to be the most pivotal of the first Test, and could well go a long way to deciding the overall result of the series.

Follow the action with our LIVE and INTERACTIVE blog, and join the conversation by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page or sending an email to blogs@foxsports.com.au!

You can also check out all the stats, pitch maps and wagon wheels at our Cricket Match Centre.


Latest comments (all times AEDT)

1820: Mark from BrisVegas says: Antony, if this game is clearly heading to a draw about half way through the second session tomorrow, and by that I mean Australia is still batting, then I think both sides should call it even and start a separate 20/20 game for the fans and TV. With TV rights up for renewal, there would be a lot of goodwill to go round.

Antony says: A boy can only dream, Mark.

1818: Hussey sweeps one around the corner to move on to 78. Will he try go for his hundred before the end of the day?

1812: DOUBLE HUNDRED! There it is! Clarke brings up his 200 with a sweetly-timed on-drive off the bowling of Steyn. He's looked unstoppable after reaching his century. That's his third double-century this calendar year. Incredible. AUS 4-458

1808: Hades of all Realms of Sydney says: Was that Katut and Rhonda I saw in the crowd????

Antony says: Now there's a true romance.

1806: Now Alviro Petersen is going to roll the arm over. Who hasn't had a bowl yet?

1804: Clarke rocks back to a short one from Morkel and guides it down to third man. The batsmen run three, taking Clarke to 196. FOUR! Hussey hits the next ball for four through the covers. FOUR! And the next ball also goes for four, as Hussey edges a cover drive through about fourth slip. Australia are now ahead of South Africa! AUS 4-453

1800: QLD fan says: hi anthony are we going to see three roads three drawn tests and 3 tests of batting practice? now i know why everyone goes  to T20, test cricket is dead

Antony says: That's a bit pessimistic. I think we can rely on at least the WACA pitch being quite lively. Quite rare to get a draw over in Perth.

1758: CLOSE! CLOSE! CLOSE! What does Morkel have to do get a wicket? He bowls three of the exact same deliveries - just short of a good length, moving away slightly from the left-hander - and he beats Hussey every time. FOUR! Then he pitches up slightly and Hussey smashes it through the covers for four. FOUR! Then Hussey plays a nice hook shot for four. Poor Morkel. AUS 4-441

1753: FOUR! Wow! Clarke just opens the face to a line and length ball from Philander and runs it down to the third man boundary. Philander looks stunned. AUS 4-433

1752: FOUR! Philander bowls a poor ball outside leg stump and Clarke flicks it down to the fine leg boundary. Clarke is on 188 now - are we going to see a double hundred tonight? AUS 4-429

1750: Bad news for those hoping for a declaration this before the end of the day. Ed Cowan has just said that "we'll have to see what the captain thinks after today".

1749: CLOSE! FOUR! That's unlucky for Morkel, he's bowled well without success today. Hussey goes for the big cover drive and this time gets a thick edge that flies just wide of the man at gully and ends up going for four. AUS 4-425

1746: Cole says: if clarke declares now, how many over would the australian have to bowl?

Antony says: Technically there are 14 overs left today, but play can only go until 6.30pm EDT (5.30pm local time) so I think we'll fit in less than 14 overs before then.

1743: FOUR! That's a majestic cover drive from Clarke. The field on the off-side is packed, but he's managed to split the fielders perfectly and the ball races all the way along the ground to the boundary. FOUR! He follows it up with a peach of an on-drive. This is special stuff. Clarke's on 177 now. AUS 4-412.

1741: Dan in Korea has a prediction: Hi Guys, have your blog on at work and its fantastic stuff. My prediction: Australia to get 200 odd in front by tomorrow morning. Clarke getting a double hundred, Mr Cricket to get 100 and Wade a quick fire 50. SAF collapse to be all out for 110. Go Aussies!

Antony says: That's an optimistic prediction Dan. How is the kimchi in Korea?

1739: Things have got a bit more serious with Morne Morkel returning to the attack. He's been the pick of the Proteas bowlers today.

1736: Wow, now they're getting really desperate - Hashim Amla is going to have a bowl! His first ball is a shocker, short and wide, but luckily for him the field is well spread. All in all, his over is ... amusing.

1733: FOUR! Kallis bowls a loose one down leg side and Clarke helps it on its way down to the fine leg boundary. That also brings up the 100 partnership between Clarke and Hussey, and the 400 for Australia. They're edging ever closer to South Africa's total. AUS 4-400

1730: FIFTY! Smith dishes up a rank full toss and Hussey punches it down to long off for a single to bring up his 50, and it's off just 68 balls. Mr Cricket is in good knick. AUS 4-395

1727: matt h of Brisbane says: Got to love the Huss! Nothing worse for a tired fielding side than seeing a 37 year old hussle between wickets, score at a run a ball and generally look invincible.

Antony says: Hussey sure has been impressive this afternoon. The man is like the Energizer bunny!

1722: Hussey plays a nice clip to deep mid-wicket off a full ball from Smith and gets three runs, moving him along to 49. AUS 4-387

1720: Ryan Groube says: Antony, Do you think the Proteas made a gaffe by not picking the spinner in Tahir? Surely late on the fourth day they would be getting more value out of him than they are from the fourth string no-balling seamer.

Antony says: I think they definitely made an error in judgement there. Both sides have expressed surprise at the lack of extreme pace and bounce in the pitch, and the fact Graeme Smith has bowled so many overs shows that Tahir would have got an extended run in the attack if he was picked. To add to the disappointment for South Africa, Kleinveldt has been sub-par so far.

1717: Jacques Kallis to bowl the first over after drinks.

1715: That's drinks in the final session on day four. With about an hour and a quarter remaining today, and Australia trailing by 66 runs, who will be ahead at stumps? Let us know your prediction!

1712: Graeme Smith brings himself back to bowl. I wonder if he's wishing he had Imran Tahir to turn to now, rather than himself.

1710: paul of brisbane has a response to The Oracle of Hobart: I'd gladly watch Cown make centuries all summer!

1707: 150! Kallis returns to the attack, and Clarke clips him to mid-wicket and scampers through for two to bring up his 150, which comes off 280 balls. AUS 4-374

1706: A couple of comments on the question of a declaration ... Jayvee says: Declare. Show them we have no fear of them bowling us out again. Throw the game open. South African sporting teams choke.

Mark from BrisVegas says: In regard to declaring, I agree that we should bat into tomorrow. One important thing I think Australia still needs to do is give Wade the chance to get some time in the middle and build an innings. He is key to this team, we have a reasonably long tail, we need him in form. This is just the chance.

1702: Hussey has quietly made his way to 40 off just 53 balls. Hard to tell if he's deliberately going for quick runs under instruction from Clarke, or if he's just in good touch. AUS 4-369

1656: The Oracle of Hobart says: I'd rather watch lawn bowls then watch ed Cowan making a century again. This guy is excruciating to watch

Antony says: You must be a pretty big lawn bowls fan!

1653: GOOD FIELDING! Clarke crunches another cover drive but this time it's stopped by a brilliant diving save from substitute fieldsman Faf du Plessis. FOUR! But Clarke gets a boundary the very next ball by nonchalantly pulling a short one from Steyn in front of mid-wicket. AUS 4-363

1647: matt h of Brisbane says: Keep the SA bowlers out there as long as possible. Try to take the sting out them for the rest of the series. they appear to not have much depth behind their big three (we hope)

Antony says: It looks like that's what Clarke is trying to do at the moment. The South African bowlers really do look tired.

1642: FOUR! Crunched! Another glorious cover drive from Hussey, gee that's good to watch. That was too full and too wide from Steyn - he's looking a bit tired at the moment. Australia are now just 100 runs behind South Africa. AUS 4-350

1639: FOUR! The luck just isn't going the Proteas' way at the moment. Hussey plays a forward defensive shot, the ball catches the edge and runs between second slip and gully all the way along the gorund to the boundary. To make mattters worse, it was a no-ball. AUS 4-345

1636: Mark Fletcherton says: Is this series going to be Clarke v Amla top 2012 scorer?, could become interesting.

Antony says: It's certainly looking that way at the moment. Those two are in rare form.

1634: CLOSE! Morkel almost cuts Clarke in half with a great ball that goes between bat and body and bounces over the stumps, but it's spoiled by the fact it's called a no-ball. There was even a hint of an inside edge, but it wouldn't have counted.

1631: FOUR! Morkel bangs in another short one and this time Hussey plays it deliberately in the air and over the slips cordon for four. Nice touch there from Hussey, who has moved on to 21. AUS 4-336

1628: CLOSE! Almost another run out there. Hussey plays it to gully and Clarke takes off for a very risky single, but Hussey stumbles! He would have been short at the non-strikers end by a few metres but the throw missed the stumps.

1627: FOUR! Hussey plays a beuatiful cover drive off Philander that goes along the floor all the way to the long boundary. Classic shot. AUS 4-331

1625: beeso has the last word on Phil Hughes: Hughes would have to get lucky 20 times, the man has more edges than installation art.

Antony says: "More edges than installation art"? Now that's a creative sledge.

1621: CLOSE! Another beauty from Morkel that beats Hussey all ends up. When Morkel lands it in the right spot, the ball is almost impossible to hit - in some ways, the ball is too good!

1619: FOUR! That's vintage Hussey. Philander drops fractionally short and Hussey is onto the back foot in a flash and playing a beautiful late cut that pierces the fieldsmen in the gully. AUS 4-325

1616: CLOSE! Morkel finishes his over with a ripper delivery that moves slightly away from Hussey and beats the bat. 13 runs off the over, but it actually wasn't a bad one from Morkel.

1613: FOUR! That's a more conventional boundary, as Hussey plays a lofted cut shot for four off the bowling of Morkel. AUS 4-316

1611: FOUR! Wow, that's another lucky escape for Clarke. Morkel bowled a great bouncer that seemed to follow Clarke as he tried to get out the way, and the ball catches the edge of Clarke's bat and goes just over de Villiers at 'keeper and races to the boundary. Clarke doesn't look to comfortable against the short stuff from Morkel. AUS 4-333

1607: APPEAL! Well, that's a bit odd, Clarke appears to play and miss but Philander is convinced he's got the edge. The keeper and slips don't seem too convinced, but Philander is extremely confident and eventually Graeme Smith calls for the REVIEW. It's not a no-ball, but unfortunately for South Africa, it's not an edge either. Not out.

1604: We're ready to go at the Gabba, and it will be Philander to bowl to Clarke to get us started in the final session.

1600: With the players returning to the field for the final session, Pete L says: Will the Aussies declare soon and make a game of it. Surely if we bat till close the only result will be a draw.

Antony says: A draw will be the likely result if Australia bat out the day, but it would be a pretty gutsy call for Clarke to declare. He is a very positive captain though!

1553: The Call of the Wild says: funny how cowan is supposedly a slowcoach and yet his strikerate is higher than clarke.

Antony says: He definitely took a far more positive approach into this Test. I wonder if he'll be similar to Justin Langer, who started out as a slowcoach No.3 and ended up being a dashing opener.

1549: With the players having their tea break, Mark continues the discussion around Phil Hughes: To be fair and stupid, Hughes does have more centuries against the Saffers.

Antony says: Fair and stupid? That's basically my motto!

1544: TEA (AUS 4-305, Clarke 125*, Hussey 1*) So that's tea on day four, after another session dominated by Australia's batsmen. Ed Cowan is desperately unlucky not to still be there, but with Michael Clarke still at the crease, the Aussies will be feeling quite comfortable.

1541: Chandler of Brisbane has a difference of opinion with Lewis of Macksville: Lewis of Macksville get over it. clearly you are wrong because Cowan is the better option, because we needed someone to build an innings to get us out of a hole. i doubt hughes would have.

1538: APPEAL! Morkel strikes Hussey in the pad and goes up for a half-hearted appeal. Replays show the ball was going over the top, and down leg side as well.

1534: That brings Mr Cricket, Mike Hussey, to the crease. Can he halt his bad run against the world's best bowling attack?

1531: WICKET (Cowan 136, run out Steyn, AUS 4-299) That is so unlucky for Cowan, he has been almost flawless today and didn't look like getting out. Well, South Africa will be very pleased with that breakthrough.

1530: APPEAL! Clarke smashes it straight back down the pitch and Steyn gets a finger on it, and it cannons into the stumps. Has Cowan been caught short? The umpire asks for a look from upstairs. And he's out!

1529: CLOSE! Steyn bowls a wide one and Clarke takes a wild swipe at it. Luckily for the Australian skipper, he missed it.

1523: After just two overs with the new ball, Morkel replaces Philander. The bowling changes are coming thick and fast now.

1520: Lewis of Macksville says: Cowan got lucky twice in his innings, Hughes is still a better option.

Antony says: Oh Lewis. You sure are optimistic.

1519: FOUR! Another short and wide wone from Steyn, and Cowan plays an edgy late cut through gully for four. AUS 3-296

1516: 250 PARTNERSHIP! Cowan plays a nice clip off his pads for three, bringing up the 250 partnership between he and Clarke. AUS 3-289

1515: As Philander comes back into the attack, John of Ipswich says: Fantastic effort by Cowan and Punter. I would get Khawaja in for the second test to further strengthen our top order.

Antony says: With Cowan suring up his spot and Watson possibly fit again, I think it's unlikely there will be any changes to the batting line-up for the second Test short of Watson replacing Quiney.

1511: Dave from Orange says: Why in gods name declare? Bat for as long as possible - get the mental disintegration thing going! Keep them out there until after lunch tomorrow, let the bowlers have a crack at the South African batsmen on a 5th day (sorta) pitch with nothing to play for.  Hopefully the bowlers grab a few moral lifting wickets and then off to Adelaide with the wind in out sails.

1509: That's the end of Jacques Kallis for now, with Dale Steyn coming back into the attack.

1507: Clarke rocks onto the back foot and plays a lovely late cut off a short one from Smith, and gets three runs for his troubles. AUS 3-283

1501: Graeme Smith is back with his off-spinners now.

1458: Mark from BrisVegas says: To answer your question, I would not declare if I were Clarke. It is pie in the sky to think we could bowl SAF out for 100, already giving them a 200 lead. Smith isn't going to make it a fair fight anyway, why would he? They only need to draw the series to win it, so if he then declared, it would be when they have no chance of losing. This is all valuable time in the middle for these guys against the best bowling attack in world cricket, it is not going to waste.

Antony says: I tend to agree Mark, but I suppose Clarke has been keen to prove how attacking he is as a captain, so maybe he'll go for it.

1454: FOUR! And just to rub salt into the wound for poor old Rory Kleinveldt, Clarke hits a late cut for four two balls later. AUS 3-274

1452: DROPPED! Steyn has dropped Cowan! The Aussie batsman went for another big pulla nd this time he skied it after getting a top edge. Fine leg Steyn was coming around to catch it, but he always seemed to be put off by Jacques Rudolph, who was also thinking about going for it, and in the end Steyn barely got a finger on it.

1446: As the players return from a drinks break, shall we return to the debate over whether or not Australia should declare? Would you do so if you were Michael Clarke?

1443: HUNDRED! Clarke FINALLY brings up his ton by running a ball into the gully and scampering through for a single. Gee, he's been in some rare form over the past year. AUS 3-264

1439: The partnership between Clarke and Cowan is now the record fourth-wicket stand in a Test between Australia and South Africa, bettering the 219 between Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince.

1436: Kallis comes back for another bowl. As he does, take this email in from Edward Morgan: Is it not time that the selectors got the monkey off Clarke's back and drop Ricky Ponting, he must be the only ex-captain that insists on hanging around and always wants the limelight. He is a spent force. He's had his day let Clarke be the Great captain he will be without Ponting looking over his shoulder.

Antony says: That's strong stuff, Edward! From all reports, Clarke and Ponting get on very well and Clarke enjoys having someoneso experienced to turn to.

1434: Clarke moves on to 99. He tucks one down to fine leg and dashes off, and is thinking of coming back for a second run before wisely deciding to stay put. He would have come close to running himself out if he went for that one! AUS 3-260

1431: FOUR! Another pull shot from Cowan, after yet another short ball from Steyn. Surely they're going to learn their lesson soon? AUS 3-258

Speaking of Cowan, Julian Butterworth says: Well done to Ed Cowan a test century against the best attack in the world not a second rate Indian attack. 

1428: Clarke gets a single off Steyn to move along to 98. He's edging ever closer to another hundred. Now Cowan plays a good cover drive for two. AUS 3-254

1426: FOUR! Another glorious cover drive from Cowan off Morkel, all the way along the carpet. That was a bit reminiscent of Justin Langer, says my foxsports.com.au colleague Ben Glover. AUS 3-251

1424: Check out the fantastic pic below of Cowan after reaching his ton. A special moment for any cricketer.

1421: CLOSE! That's the third time Clarke has got into trouble trying to play the little paddle around the corner from a short ball. The ball wasn't far away from the edge there.

1418: Dale Steyn comes back into the attack now. Can he get the crucial breakthrough for South Africa?

1415: Double mis-field! Oh dear, that's sloppy stuff in the field from the Proteas, with first Hashim Amla and then Morne Morkel missing the ball after Clarke had pushed it into the covers, and the batsmen end up getting two. Clarke on 97 now. AUS 3-245

1409: rafeek of peakhurst says: with Australia's run rate always being above South Africa's, if they say scored around another 130 today, could send in South Africa to bat have them to try score quick runs to set Australia a target for the win. If Clarke did declare when Australia are say about 100 runs behind, South Africa score around 200 and declare, could set up a one dayer run chase in theory.

Antony says: That would be very exciting indeed! Not sure if it will actually happen, but we can only hope!

1405: 200 PARTNERSHIP! Clarke moves to 94 and that brings up another milestone in a fabulous partnership. 

1402: CHANCE! And there's a mix-up. Cowan is very nearly run out for 106 after Clarke turns down a quick single. A direct hit from mid on and Cowan was gone by a mile!

1400: The century will mean all the more to Cowan, given he's brought it up on the one year anniversary of Peter Roebuck's death. Roebuck is a former coach of Cowan's and the opener has spoken about the profound influence the famous cricket writer had on his development.

1353: FOUR! Morkel drops short and Clarke turns it round the corner, and it runs away to the boundary at fine leg. Clarke on 82 now. FOUR! and another one from Clarke, this time a cut short from yet another short ball. The Proteas are bowling way too short at the moment. FOUR! And another boundary from Clarke, this time a cover drive from a full ball. Pup is into the 90s now AUS 3-235

1349: FOUR! HUNDRED! There it is, Ed Cowan's first hundred in Test cricket, and it really has been a superb innings. Cowan brings it up with a pull shot off a short ball from Philander that races to the square leg boundary. Well played Ed. That came off 185 balls by the way - not too shabby. AUS 3-219

1346: Cowan is on strike now, facing up to Vernon Philander. How long until he goes for the two runs he needs to get his hundred??

1342: The players are back, and it's Morne Morkel to bowl to Michael Clarke.

1341: OK, that's all we've got time for with our special guest Ryan Harris. Thanks to everyone that sent in their questions - sorry if we didn't get to yours - and a HUGE thank you to Ryan for taking time out of his day to join us!

Cricket critic of Brisbane asks: What do you make of your young QLD Bulls teammate Cameron Gannon? Do you think he will start to get looked at as a serious prospect?

Ryan Harris says: He's a very good prospect. He came into the squad  about two years ago, so he's got some good fitness and strength under his belt, and it's only made him better. When I first came in he was only a sort of medium-pacer, but the two years of work he's had have seen him put a lot of muscle on. He's bowling good pace, he's consistent with his line and length and he's swinging the ball around as well, so he's a massive prospect. He just needs a good full season of first-class cricket, and if he's successful there, then who knows after that.

Cheeky Cameron of North Shore asks: Who's the worst Australian to room with on tour?

Ryan Harris: That's a tough one, because we don't share rooms anymore! But if I was to choose someone I wouldn't want to room with, I'd probably say James Pattinson. There are a few reasons I probably shouldn't name! I just think he'd be annoying all the time, I don't think he'd sleep much!

AshMan of Canberra asks: When will we see you in a Baggy Green again, Ryan?

Ryan Harris says: For me at the moment, it's just about getting back to bowling in a game of cricket, whether it's for my grade side or for Queensland. I want to play as much as I can and in as many forms as I can for Australia, but for me at the moment, it's just about getting that fitness back and having a bowl. I figure if I get back playing for Queensland, whenever that is, and I'm bowling well, then the national stuff will take care of itself. They'll pick me if I'm bowling well enough, but with the guys that are there now, our stocks at the moment are pretty good. Once you get an injury you get knocked down the pecking order, and I'm back down the bottom.

BigMouth the beast of Geelong asks: I want to see you bowling again soon big fella! How is the rehab from surgery coming along?

Ryan Harris says: I'm aiming for the start of the Big Bash League, but that's probably going to be pushing it. It's looking more like the third or fourth game in. The rehab's going very slow to be honest – it's giving me the s--ts! It's been a bit frustrating, but it's something that has to be taken slow, otherwise if you rush it you can potentially lead to another bout of surgery that could put me out for six more months. It's a very slow process, but if we get this right, I will be back in a month's time.

Catherine S of Brisbane asks: Will Brisbane Heat improve on last season's performance? I want to see you guys win it this year!

Ryan Harris says: I think making the final this year is the minimum requirement for us. We showed some good signs last year but didn't do well enough to make the final. We've got together a very good squad, we'll have Steyn for one game, but we'll also have Kemar Roach, Dan Vettori, Dan Christian's coming back, Mitchell Johnson's come on board, so along with the guys we already have such as myself, James Hopes, Ben Cutting and Alistair McDermott, we've got a really good squad together. We want to be in that final and hopefully winning the whole competition.

T20 lover of Toowoomba asks: Dale Steyn will be your teammate for one game in the Big Bash League - how excited are you to play alongside him for Brisbane Heat?

Ryan Harris says: I can't wait to share the dressing room with him. I've caught up with him in the IPL, but not played in the same team, so it's going to be a great thrill to play with the leading bowler in the world. It'll be great just to see how he goes about what he does, and hopefully I'll be able to pick his brains over a couple of things. We're very lucky to have him for that game. From what I've heard from Darren Lehmann, who coached him in the IPL, he is the ultimate professional.

Oz E Battler of Hobart asks: What is Michael Clarke like as a leader, both on the field and in the dressing room?

Ryan Harris says: He's a very good leader, and a very attacking one as well. He gives you the confidence to do whatever you want to do. He gives you the confidence as a bowler to set your fields, and if he disagrees with you, he'll tell you and do what he wants to do, basically. His batting record has been unbelievable since he's taken over the captaincy, I'd love to see what he's averaging since taking over. It's great to see him continue to score runs. He really enjoys the challenge of being captain and he's definitely leading from the front.

1321: We're lucky to be joined by injured Aussie, Brisbane Heat and Queensland paceman RYAN HARRIS during lunch to answer your questions.

First up is Jason of Macarthur, who asks: What have you made of Ed Cowan's innings?

Ryan Harris says: For him to show the patience, but still play his natural game and play to his strengths, it's been good. He's shown a lot of maturity to be able to still score runs in that situation. I haven't been surprised by his success – he's a very good player. Hopefully he gets his 100, because it will be very well deserved.

1304: LUNCH (AUS 3-214, Cowan 98*, Clarke 78*) Well that's lunch on day four, as Cowan blocks out the rest of the over to stay on 98. That was a great session for Australia, with Clarke and Cowan batting smartly to get their side back into the game. We'll have Ryan Harris answering your questions in just a few minutes, so be sure to send in any last minute questions you have for the big man!

1302: BONDIROOSTER of sydney says: i hope cowan gets his century before lunch!!

1301: CLOSE! Oh dear, there was almost a run out there! Cowan pushed the ball to the covers and called yes immediately, even though it went straight to the fielder! Luckily, Clarke scrambled back to his crease and the throw missed the stumps anyway.

1259: Philander comes in to bowl the last over before lunch. Clarke starts off with a cut shot for three, bringing Cowan onto strike. AUS 3-213

1258: FOUR! Cowan moves on to 98! That was a bit lucky though, he tries to hook a short one from Morkel, got a top edge and the ball runs away behind the keeper for four. On second inspection, that looks like it's come off his helmet, but the runs are still awarded to him! AUS 3-210

1256: CLOSE! That was an awkward one for Clarke. Morkel bowls another good bouncer and Clarke plays a half block, half attempted flick around the corner, and it cannons into Clarke's glove and then shoulder. Thankfully for the Aussie skipper, the ball falls safely.

1250: Just ten minutes until the lunch break, and Cowan is on 93. Will he try pass the milestone before the end of the session, or show the patience that he's renowned for? Philander into the attack now.

1247: Not long until our chat with Queensland and Australia paceman Ryan Harris. SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS NOW!

1244: Some very optimistic people are suggesting Australia could potentially declare some time today in order to try get a result. That would be a very, very brave move from Clarke - what do you think?

1243: FOUR! Clarke smashes Smith down the ground with a powerful off-drive. Smith isn't looking too threatening here. AUS 3-204

1241: FOUR! Cowan plays a nice late cut that races to the boundary after beating the man at gully. Cowan onto 92 now! AUS 3-198

1239: SHOT! Cowan plays a beautiful cover drive off Steyn but it is stopped short of the boundary by the man on the fence, and the batsmen take three. Cowan moves on to 88. AUS 3-193

1237: bat pad specialist stands up for Nathan Lyon: Lyon bowls with a lot more flight and dip than Clarke. His record is a lot better and he's a young player who's going to improve more and more. South Africa are already in trouble in this innings not having a specialist spinner.

1235: Cowan sneaks a single off Smith to bring up the 150 partnership. AUS 3-190

1231: Mark of BrisVegas says: What we are seeing with a lack of cricket talent coming though (and to a point, a drop off in success at the Olympics) can be partly (and I think largely) attributed to the rise of the AFL and its rich talent identification program. There are many guys kicking the Sherrin around on the MCG that in previous decades would be bowling 140kmh with a Baggy Green on his head, or wielding a bat. Don't doubt for a second what an impact the AFL has had on all sports and their ability to keep elite talent in their ranks.

Antony says: A very good point, Mark. One needs only to look at the song and dance the cricket fraternity did when Alex Keith, a young Victorian who is both a very talented cricketer and rising AFL star, chose the bat and ball over the Sherrin.

1226: FOUR! Smith bowls a genuine long-hop and Cowan pulls it to the mid-wicket boundary. AUS 3-184

1225: CLOSE! Dale Steyn, who replaced Jacques Kallis in the bowling attack, bowls a wicked bouncer to Clarke that the Australia skipper blocks off the very top of his blade. It was in the air for a while but dropped safely.

1220: Mark says: Ponting's first duck in years and people want him gone. Unbelievable. People seem to forget that Ponting scored a lot of centuries last summer and yet Warner didn't against the same sides.

Antony says: I agree people are being a tad harsh on Ponting, but I think you're forgetting Warner's 180 against India at the WACA last summer.

1217: Graeme Smith has brought himself on to bowl! Wow, can't say I saw that one coming! Smith will bowl his gentle off spin in a Test for the first time since 2007. 

1213: Cowan plays a nice cover drive off Kallis that picks up two runs, and that takes him on to 75 - his highest score in Test cricket. AUS 3-171

1210: CLOSE! Clarke gets a thick edge off a late drive but it goes all the way along the ground, stopping just short of the boundary, and he gets two runs. AUS 3-169

1207: Gus of Sydney asks: If Australia were to have a almighty collapse, what would we need to avoid a follow on? Either way this game heading strongly in direction of a draw.. anyone else think otherwise?

Antony says: 251 is the magic number for Australia, and they look well on track to passing that now.

1203: WIDE! Kleinveldt bangs one in short - too short, in fact, and it is called a wide after sailing over Clarke's head. The big man has bowled well in patches today but looks to be a bit too impatient.

1200: Bring Back the Leg Spin! of Sydney says: Good point Kendog. Although it would be nicer to have a better spinner then Lyons. I miss you Shane Warne and Macgill. If only you two were not born in the same generation and we could have watched both of you one after another. :(

1157: CLOSE! Clarke goes for a big cover drive off Kallis, and misses it completely. A bit of a wild stroke from Pup.

1156: Cricket Tragic of Sydney says: Antony, to be fair, Lyon's two wicket were not so much his good bowling but instead poor shots from the batsman

Antony says: They definitely were poor shots from the batsmen, but the craft of a spinner is being able to induce those poor shots. Even the great Shane Warne took many, many wickets from batsmen trying to hit him out the park. But I do take your point - Lyon doesn't really look like 'bamboozling' any of the Proteas batsmen.

1152: OOPS! Clarke drives one to mid-off and takes off for a single, Dale Steyn runs in to gather the ball but takes an almighty slip, misses the ball completely and the batsmen run three. AUS 3-160 

1148: As we go to the drinks break, consider this stat, brought to my attention by my foxsports.com.au colleague Simon Dixon: The last six times Michael Clarke has reached 50, he has made the following scores: 73, 210, 329*, 139, 151, 112. Do with that what you will.

1144: CLOSE! Kleinveldt offers a full and wide one, Cowan goes for the big cover drive but misses it - and not by much. Looks like Jacques Kallis is going to have a bowl for the first time in this Test.

1142: Nick of Brisbane says: What ever happened to Dan Christian? great lower order batsman and can bowl with good shape.

Antony says: Christian is very much part of Australia's one-day and T20 teams, but I think Test cricket is a stretch too far for him at the moment. Needs to greatly improve in one of the disciplines to reach Test level.

1138: The runs have dried up a bit here - just two off the last three overs. South Africa are bowling a lot outside off, and Cowan and Clarke are happy to leave.

1133: Kendog of Newcastle says: Following on Mad Mick's comment, I think Clarke's bowling is just as (if not more) dangerous than Lyon's. I think we should leave a spinner out and fill the position with a batsman or quick with Clarke to bowl spin when needed. Currently our strength is our young quicks and batsmen pushing for that test spot and I believe we should play to this.

Antony says: I agree Clarke is underrated as a spinner, but I think his dodgy back means he's quite restricted in how many overs he can bowl. Perhaps not enough to repalce a full-time spinner.

1130: Just a quick reminder to send in your questions NOW for Ryan Harris, who will be our special guest at lunch. Shoot us an email at blogs@foxsports.com.au or leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

1126: BONDIROOSTER of sydney disagrees with Daka of NQ: Clarke should not be batting at 3!! With Australia's top order consistently failing why would you want him exposed to the new ball in the first 5 overs! Clarke is a great number 5 he had a stint at 4 which wielded an average of something like 30, at 5 the bloke scores triple centuries lol.

1123: FIFTY! Clarke brings up his 50 with a drive for two past point. He and Cowan have laid a very nice foundation. CLOSE! Wow and the very next ball he gets another leading edge that goes way up in the air and only just clears the fielder at mid-on. He was very nearly out there. AUS 3-147

1120: Rory Kleinveldt comes into the attack in place of Philander. He'll be looking for an improved performance after yesterday's shaky showing. His first delivery is a no-ball - not a great start.

1118: Mad Mick of Canberra says: I saw pictures of the GABBA wicket the day prior to the test, looked at the forecast and automatically thought four quicks, Nathan Lyon is not Shane Warne and should only play on grounds that have a dry and deterioarating surface in tests that will go five days...Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne. Nathan Lyon bareley bowled on day one (fair enough)and bowled unthreateningly on the third day only to buy a wicket, he wouldn't trouble a Brisbane grade cricketer on this wicket.

Antony says: Obviously Lyon is no Shane Warne, but I think he did a reasonable job in the conditions in Brisbane. Yes, he went for a few runs, but that's what spinners have to do if they want to take wickets, and he took two of them - the same amount as Hilfenhaus and Siddle. The temptation to go after Lyon is what brought Alviro Petersen unstuck.

1112: CLOSE! Clarke gets a leading edge when trying to turn a ball from Philander onto the leg side, and it balloons over the fielder at point. Lucky. That also brings up the 100 partnership.

1111: FOUR! Good comeback from Cowan there, Morkel pitches up and the Aussie opener drives it straight back down the ground. AUS 3-139

1108: CLOSE! That's a rip-snorter from Morkel, it's angled in to Cowan and then moves away off the seam, beating the batsman all ends up.

1106: Morne Morkel comes into the attack in place of Steyn. Morkel was the destroyer for South Africa yesterday - can he do the same today?

1102: Daka of NQ: Clarke should be batting 3 in this line up. He was in rare form last summer and has looked very good this innings thus far, also.

Antony says: Not sure if Clarke is too keen on that option - if he happens to have a bad day and is back in the sheds early, then it does leave our batting lineup looking particularly thin.

1058: FOUR! Another crisp drive from Clarke races to the straight boundary, this time off the bowling of Steyn. AUS 3-133

1052: FOUR! Wow that was very, very lucky for Cowan. He was going to block a ball from Steyn but at the last minute tried to leave it, but it was too late! The ball clips the bottom of the bat and was nearly dragged back onto the stumps. In the end it beat the 'keeper and made it all the way to the rope. AUS 3-128

1049: CLOSE! Clarke plays and misses to a straight one from Philander. That was a bit of a sloppy stroke.

1046: Bowling man says: the aussies are over the hill time to move on the older guys and get fresh young blood. Is the state comp working or is it just a dud?

Antony says: I think the state comp is working - we're still churning out quality players, some of whom are ready for Test cricket straight away, some who aren't quite there yet. The difference is the number of Test quality players we're producing compared to 10 or 15 years ago - in my opinion those years were anomalies and will be hard to replicate ever again.

1044: FOUR! Clarke clips a ball from Philander off his pads and it stops just short of the boundary, but the batsmen run four anyway. That was all timing from Clarke - he hardly hit it. AUS 3-124

1038: mike of syd says: will Clarke or Cowan get 100?? .....Im surprised Australia has reached 100.

Antony says: I think that's a "no" from Mike.

1036: It's Vernon Philander to take up the bowling from the other end.

1034: FOUR! Beautiful shot from Clarke there, Steyn pitches up and the Aussie skipper hits it all the way along the ground to the straight boundary. AUS 3-116

1032: FIFTY! Ed Cowan brings up his half-century with a push off his pads for a single on the leg side. That's a good innings from Cowan, one to prove the doubters wrong, but he'll definitely need to kick on now to helps hsi side avoid a loss. AUS 3-112

1030: OK we're ready to go at the Gabba, and it's Dale Steyn bowling to Ed Cowan.

1028: There's a bit of cloud cover in Brisbane, but all the weather reports we're reading tell us we should get a full day's cricket in today.

1025: Cricket Tragic of Sydney: Hey Antony, I just wanted to know your opinion on Nathan Hauritz and Trent Copeland? As i would replace Ben Hilfenhaus and Nathan Lyon with those two.

Antony says: I have to say I was a fan of Copeland when he shot into the Test team for the series in Sri Lanka. Line and length is something that can often go astray with our current attack. However, he's fallen well back in the queue and while he's been in decent form in the Sheffield Shield, he hasn't exactly been banging the door down for Test selection. He'll need a stack more wickets before he jumps ahead of the likes of Starc, Bird and Cutting. As for Hauritz, he'll also need to really impress at Shield level before he gets another look in at Tests. He was given a solid run in the Test side, and to be honest I think Lyon has outshone Hauritz since the South Australian joined the international arena.

1017: We're seeing some pictures of South Africa's opening batsman, Alviro Petersen, rolling his arm over in the warm up. I wonder if we'll see him have a bowl in JP Duminy's absence.

1011: So what is everyone's prediction for day four? Will Australia still be batting at the end of the day? Will Cowan or Clarke reach 100? Let us know what you think.

1005: Just a reminder that we'll have a special treat at the lunch break, with Brisbane Heat, Queensland and Australia paceman Ryan Harris joining us for a live chat! Make sure you get your questions in for Ryan now, by emailing blogs@foxposrts.com.au or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

1000: Welcome back to foxsports.com.au's LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of the first Test between Australia and South Africa at the Gabba. Antony Pinshaw with you for what should prove to be a pivotal day four, with Australia fighting desperately to save the Test match. Michael Clarke and Ed Cowan will resume with the score on 3-111, and no doubt their first target will be 250, the score they'll need to avoid the follow-on.


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