Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

Injury scare for paceman Pattinson

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 24 November 2012 | 14.23

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Not so appealing ... James Pattinson suffered a side injury on Saturday. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Australia fast bowler James Pattinson is having scans on a side injury after leaving the field during the second Test against South Africa.

The 22-year-old paceman, complaining of pain along his left side, left Adelaide Oval during the opening session on Saturday's third day.

Pattinson was sent for scans, a Cricket Australia spokesman said, in the latest blow in his injury-plagued career.

The express quick missed most of last summer with a foot injury, and suffered from stress fractures in his back as a teenager.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: AUS v SA, T2, D3

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Under pressure ... Ricky Ponting chases a much-needed score in the second Test. Source: Tertius Pickard / AP

Australia are gradually losing their grip on the second Test in Adelaide, losing five wickets late on day three to give South Africa a sniff of victory.

Don't forget to join in the action by sending a question or comment to blogs@foxsports.com.au or by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

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


2nd Test - Adelaide Oval

22 November 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

Australia 2nd Innings

M. Clarke 9 25 1 0 36
M. Hussey 1 2 0 0 50
D. Steyn 10 4 28 1 2.80

Live

First ball: 11:00 AM November 22, 2012
Location: Adelaide Oval

Match Summary

Australia: 10/550 & 5/107
South Africa: 10/388

Latest comments (all times AEDT):

1815: WICKET! (Siddle 1, c De Villiers b Morkel, AUS 5/103) South Africa strike again! Morkel has Siddle out edging a good-length delivery and De Villiers accepts the catch. This game has been blown wide open by South Africa's late fightback this afternoon.

1813: Siddle attempts to take as much strike as possible as Australia try desperately not to lose another wicket tonight.

1803: FOUR! Not much footwork there from Clarke but he goes through with the shot and middles it through a gap in the off-side for a boundary.

1800: Steyn can sense blood. In the space of an over, he's gone from bowling 130km/h into the mid 140s.

1759: Peter Siddle comes to the crease as a nightwatchman.

1758: WICKET! (Ponting 16, b Steyn, 4/98) Ponting departs! He is caught playing at a ball outside off-stump that he probably should have left, succeeding only in chopping back onto his stumps. Steyn punches the air and roars in celebration.

1751: APPEAL! Not out. Morkel comes back into the attack and immediately has Clarke caught on the pads. Billy Bowden turns it down and the Proteas are reluctant to use their review. They let the decision stand. Replays show it was too high. Next ball, Morkel cuts Clarke in half with a beauty that jags back over the top of leg stump.

1744: FOUR! Tahir drops short and Ponting pulls and pulls well. He moves to 16.

1743: Rippersportspro of NSW says: "Massive call for Perth but Ponting needs to go back to number 3 (or down to 6) and Watson (if fit) should replace Quiney and bat at 4."

Trent says: I think Ponting can be better 'carried' at six. In all honesty, I think Clarke needs to move up to No.4, if not first-drop. He's the best bat in the side therefore should bat in the spot where your No.1 batsman should be.

1735: WICKET! (Cowan 29, b Kleinveldt, AUS 3/91) Kleinveldt gets Cowan with a beauty! He angles one back into the left-hander from around the wicket and goes straight through Cowan's forward defence. That brings Michael Clarke to the crease and this Test is far from decided.

1729: FOUR! FOUR! Tahir drops short and Ponting gets away with confident backfoot drive for four. Ponting ends the over with another textbook drive, squarer this time, but with a similar result. AUS 2/91

1724: SHOUT! Kleinveldt hits Cowan close to in front from around the wicket with the appeal turned down. The Proteas decide not to appeal and rightly so; Cowan got some bat on it.

1716: WICKET! (Quiney 0, c De Villiers b Kleinveldt, AUS 2/77) Quiney departs without scoring. Kleinveldt gets a gem of delivery to move away off the pitch, catching the outside edge and De Villiers takes the catch behind the stumps. Ricky Ponting is in. The Adelaide Oval crowd roars in anticipation. Cometh the hour, cometh the man?

1713: WICKET! (Warner 41, c du Plessis b Kleinveldt, AUS 1/77) This time it's out. Kleinveldt finds Warner out with a leading edge and du Plessis holds on to a simple chance. Rob Quiney strides to the crease and desperately needs a score to keep his Test career alive.

1709: WICKET! Wait... is that a no ball? It is! Tahir's Test goes from bad to worse. He finally has a wicket with Cowan seemingly caught at short cover, until Billy Bowden goes upstairs to check for a no ball. He's on the line with no part of his boot behind it. You wouldn't believe it. That's inexcusable from a spinner.

1704: FOUR! Cowan steers one into the gap at cover-point for another boundary.

1701: Kim says via email: "Who in the aussie top 6 wasn't under pressure before the series? This looks like last year another touring country not interested."

Trent says: Gee Kim I think you're being a bit harsh there. After watching Graeme Smith bat doggedly through severe cramping yesterday, Jacques Kallis make a gritty half-century with a torn hamstring and Faf du Plessis offer solid resistance when the innings looked over, I would hardly call them disinterested. This is the No.1 Test nation in the world fighting for their title.

1655: FOUR! Kleinveldt into the attack and drops short and wide with the last ball of the over. Cowan is onto it in a flash and makes him pay.

1649: CHANCE! Warner goes in the air towards the man at long-off but he's too far in and the ball goes over his head. Petersen does a good job to prevent a boundary as the batsmen pick up two. Tahir drops short with his next ball and Warner cuts him to the backward-point boundary. That's 14 off the Tahir over. I'm starting to pity him.

1647: FOUR! FOUR! Welcome back Imran. Warner wastes little time in punching Tahir off the back foot through point for four. Next ball, he has Hashim Amla ducking for cover at short leg with a pull shot that races away.

1646: Well here's a man under the pump. After taking 0/180 yesterday, Imran Tahir is into the attack for the first time.

1644: Billy Bowden receives a raucous cheer from the crowd after diving on the ground at square leg to avoid a Warner flick shot.

1643: IN THE AIR... SHORT!: The next ball Steyn draws an edge from Warner but it half-volleys to the man at second-slip.

1641: FOUR! FOUR! Steyn finds the edge of Cowan's bat but it travels along the ground and safely to the vacant third-man boundary. A single brings Warner on strike and he pulls a ball that wasn't all that short but timing sees it to the rope behind square.

1638: FOUR! Bang! Warner absolutely crunches a drive through a gap in the off-side field. He couldn't have hit that any better.

1630: FOUR! Cowan gets a touch of luck. Morkel pitches up and catches the outside edge of Cowan's bat but he gets enough wood on it to see it harmlessly through the gap between gully and point.

1619: FOUR! Morkel strays onto Cowan's leg stump and the little opener helps it on its way to the square leg rope. This new ball is really coming off the bat. AUS 0/25

1615: Steyn has an appeal for LBW against Warner turned down. South Africa consider an appeal but wisely opt not to - that was too high.

1611: Ouch! Warner gets pinned in the stomach by Morkel.

1607: FOUR! Steyn bowls too straight to Warner who sends the ball to the square leg fence via a mere short-arm jab. Exquisite timing from Warner.

1600: Warner attempts a wild hook to a Morkel bouncer and gets a top edge but it falls short of the fielder at fine leg. It looks like he won't be mucking around.

1541: Australia will be out to set South Africa something in the vicinity of 400-500 to win on an Adelaide wicket that should start to favour the spinners.

1536: WICKET! (Du Plessis 78, c Clarke b Hilfenhaus, SA 388) Hilfenhaus has du Plessis caught at short mid-wicket by Clarke. That brings to an end a wonderful innings from du Plessis on debut, with his fighting 78 helping the Proteas avoid the follow-on. Hilfenhaus finishes with three wickets in a timely performance for him.

1530: SIX! Du Plessis hoists Siddle over the top of mid-wicket and into the construction site with a glorious shot. There was nothing wrong with that ball, it was just a super shot. SA 9/382

1525: FOUR! Du Plessis comes down the track to Lyon and goes over the top of cover. He moves to 67.

1522: FOUR! Siddle drops short and wide to Tahir and the No.11 can't believe his luck, throwing the bat at it and watching as it flies over backward point for a boundary.

1515: FOUR! Du Plessis drives down the ground and over the top of mid-on for a boundary. He's looked really good for a guy on debut under this sort of pressure. SA 9/359

1508: WICKET! (Morkel 6, b Lyon, SA 9/352) Lyon strikes! The offie gives one a little more flight and Morkel tries to sweep but misses and is bowled around his legs.

1505: FOUR! Morne Morkel drives Siddle through the off-side to get off the mark in style. A double in the next over to Morkel sees South Africa to 352 and past the follow-on.

1500: OUCH! Siddle drops one slightly short to du Plessis and it rears sharply, pinning his fingers against the handle. He jumps away in pain. That won't tickle. Someone get the magic spray!

1453: WICKET! (Kallis 58 c Wade b Clarke, SA 8/343) Kallis' fighting dig comes to an end.

1450: SHOUT... NOT OUT. REVIEW. We're going upstairs. Kallis sweeps and the ball pops up to Matt Wade who goes up with the bowler, Michael Clarke, for a catch. It definitely hit pad, but did it collect something on the way through? Yes! That's a huge deflection off the glove and Kallis will surely have to go.

1445: SIX! Too short again from Clarke with Kallis hoisting it over the rope at mid-wicket. The Proteas continue to fight.

1444: FOUR! FIFTY TO KALLIS! Clarke drops short and Kallis is onto it in a flash, disposing of it over the top of mid-wicket. That brings up his half-century and an incredibly gutsy one at that.

1438: Now that we know Pattinson is in trouble, Daveyrockit of Sydney's next question is: "Well what do we do for Perth?? Obviously Starc is in for Lyon, does Watson come in for Pattinson if he can bowl or do we look at possible Josh Hazelwood or Mitch Johnson?? "

Trent says: All of the above viable options Davey. If Pattinson is out, Starc looks a near certainty after being 12th man in the past two Tests. I'm a huge fan of what Josh Hazlewood has done this year and think he's destined for a baggy green. However he's very similar in style to Siddle - maybe they throw a curve ball with a Jackson Bird or Luke Butterworth, both who have taken a stack of wickets at handy averages in the Sheffield Shield?

1419: PATTINSON UPDATE: According to a Cricket Australia spokesman, James Pattinson has left Adelaide Oval to have scans on a side injury after complaining of pain along his left side.

1417: FOUR! Quiney into the attack and strays down leg to du Plessis who cashes in with an easy boundary.

1415: FOUR! FOUR! Siddle drops short and Kallis merely bangs it to the ground on the leg side and watches as it races away to the fence. Siddle goes even shorter next ball and Kallis pulls brilliantly. Terrific stuff from the injured all-rounder. He's still a pleasure to watch.

1413: FOUR! Siddle pitches up and Kallis stands and delivers in almost arrogant fashion. It flies like a rocket straight down the ground for four. South Africa are closing in on the follow-on, needing just 50 more now. SA 7/311

1410: Du Plessis drives Lyon through the line and picks up another boundary. He's ticking along nicely, moving to 39 with that one.

1407: Daveyrockit of Sydney says: "Whats the word on Pattinson? whats he done now?"

Trent says: He bowled one ball this morning and pulled up very gingerly after it, leaving the field immediately. Looked like it might be a hamstring.

1356: FOUR! Kallis smacks a half-volley from Lyon through the off-side and to the rope. Even on one leg, he's a class act.

1352: FOUR! Du Plessis flashes hard outside off and gets enough on it to send it to the fence behind point.

1347: The sub-plots in this match continue, with James Pattinson unlikely to bowl again today and maybe not again this Test.

1345: CHANCE! Just short! Siddle drops short and Kallis pulls in the air, but it falls just short of Ed Cowan in the deep at square leg.

1343: FOUR! FOUR! FOUR! Kallis gets us back underway with a sublime cover-drive that races away to the rope. Next ball he flashes hard and gets away with an edge over the slips cordon. To add insult to injury, he edges the next ball and it races through the gap in between gully and third slip. SA 7/285

1325: Apologies all but we're having trouble getting a hold of Brett. We'll keep the questions in the can and hopefully go again at tea. In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying your Saturday lunch. Any tips for me at Rosehill, Moonee Valley or the big Ascot meeting today?

1310: The Falcon of Gold Coast says: Hi Trent, I'm at work for a Saturday so thank goodness for the blog!!! Do you think there is a reason they set 200 as the follow on total?? I would have thought a percentage of runs would be better. Any thoughts?

Trent says: It's a tough gig isn't it Falcon. The 200 for follow-on has been the rule as long as I can remember it. It varies depending on the length of the match; in a Sheffield Shield match over four days it's 150 runs, while for your club cricket games over two days it's 100 runs. A percentage of runs probably seems to make more sense, but umpires have enough trouble counting to six, let alone performing long division!

1300: LUNCH! Well despite this pair fighting valiantly, South Africa are well and truly on the ropes with Australia snaring five wickets on the third morning of the second Test. We've got your questions locked and loaded for former Tasmanian and Australia paceman Brett Geeves, who will be joining us shortly.

1258: FOUR! Kallis decides he's not going to be a sitting duck for Siddle, hooking one off his nose for a boundary to fine-leg.

1256: FOUR! Quiney gets an over before lunch and tries to sneak one through the defence of du Plessis, but he plays it well with an on-drive racing to the fence.

1252: Kallis really looks to be struggling with the sharp movement to duck these bouncers from Siddle. I don't think we'll be seeing him in Perth.

1247: Kerry asks: How many runs do SA need to avoid the follow on?

Trent says: 351 Kerry. The follow-on is always 200 behind the first innings score in Test matches. At this stage (7/264) South Africa need 87 more.

1239: FOUR! Kallis comes down the pitch to Lyon and muscles him over the top of mid-on for a boundary. Gutsy stuff.

1231: Hilfenhaus is really testing out Kallis' hammy with plenty of short stuff. He looks to be moving OK so far, but you wonder how much damage this could be doing to his chances of playing in Perth.

1225: Rippersportspro of NSW says: Hi Trent, it looks like Australia may bowl South Africa out for less than 351 at the moment. I think Clarke should not enforce the follow on, bat again and set South Africa at least 500 on a tuning Adelaide pitch on days 4 and 5. What would you do if you were in Clarke's shoes?

Trent says: Agree with you there Rippersportspro, especially with Pattinson's injury. It will be incredibly hard for the Proteas to pick themselves up after spending another day in the field.

1222: WICKET! (Kleinveldt 0, b Hilfenhaus, SA 7/250) Hilfenhaus beats Kleinveldt all ends up, knocking his off stump out of the ground. The Proteas are now well and truly on the ropes. Kallis is coming out to the middle. Lets see what sort of movement he's got in that injured glute muscle.

1219: FOUR! Beautiful shot from du Plessis, who jumps onto the front foot to a Siddle half-volley, driving him superbly through the covers. SA 6/250

1217: Trouble for Australia! James Pattinson comes into the attack and sends down the first delivery of the over, before taking his hat back and heading for the sheds. He pulled up very gingerly after that one. Lets hope this isn't something serious for the young man.

1213: WICKET! (Steyn 1, c Ponting b Hilfenhaus, SA 6/246) Great bowling by Hilfenhaus, who sets up Steyn with a series of probing out-swingers before the tail-ender can't help himself and pokes at one. Ricky Ponting takes a good catch to his left at second slip. Kleinveldt comes to the crease: still no sign of Kallis.

1202: FOUR! Hilfenhaus gets some good shape away immediately and has du Plessis edging -  allbeit safely into the gap between gully and slip for a boundary.

1200: Australia take the new ball straight away with Ben Hilfenhaus replacing Peter Siddle. The way Siddle has bowled this morning, that move might be a hint that Clarke will enforce the follow-on if the Aussies can knock over these remaining wickets.

1157: Nick of Cecil Hills asks: "Hi, Trent. Can you please tell me how our spinners (lyon, clarke and warner)did so well compared to Tahir. Are South Africa struggling to find a decent spinner or did the pitch change considerably between the innings. Loving the blog fror the weekdays but its the weekend now so i am watching it on Tv. Thank You."

Trent says: Hi Nick, hope you're enjoying your weekend. In the case of Tahir, there's no sugar coating it: he bowled terribly. I haven't seen a great deal of him play before coming out here but what he's shown on our wickets hasn't been enough to get me excited. Lyon and Clarke - and even Warner - showed the primary concern for a spinner has to be consistency. You can have all the top-spinners, wrong-uns and doosras in the world, but if you can't land the ball consistently, you will never mount enough pressure to trouble a batsman in Test cricket.

1152: South Africa still need 111 runs to reach the follow on. To make matters worse for them, the new ball is due next over.

1148: Dale Steyn has come out instead of Jacques Kallis. Perhaps his injury is worse than reported.

1144: WICKET! (De Villiers 1, LBW Siddle, SA 5/ 240) Siddle collects De Villiers plumb in front and Billy Bowden has no hesitation in raising the bent finger. De Villiers reviews the decision but that's just about as plumb as they come. What a start to the day by Australia! They're well and truly in the box seat now and the Proteas will do well just to reach the follow-on.

1136: FOUR! Faf du Plessis opens his account with a well-timed drive through mid-wicket.

1132: WICKET! (Smith 122, c Wade b Siddle, SA 4/233) Smith trudges off and Australia have all the momentum early on day three.

1131: It appears his bat hit the ground at the same time as a noise resembling an edge - but there's a feint white dot on Hot Spot! The decision stands and Smith is told to go! He's not happy.

1130: WICKET?! REFERRAL! Siddle has Smith seemingly out caught behind. He's given out by Billy Bowden, but challenges immediately. This looks deja vu of yesterday.

1125: WICKET! (Rudolph 29 c Quiney b Lyon, SA 3/233) The trap works! Clarke moves a man into a shortish cover-point and Lyon throws one full and wide to Rudolph who can't help himself, playing a drive in the air to Rob Quiney who accepts the chance. Rudolph is kicking himself, he's thrown away a golden opportunity to the sucker ball.

1118: FOUR! Siddle pins one at Smith's body and finds glove, with the ball just evading a diving Wade down the leg side. Good change-up from Siddle, that could have gone anywhere.

1110: FOUR! Lyon replaces Clarke and overpitches to Rudolph who plays a glorious cover drive through the gap between cover and mid-off for four. SA 2/227

1104: FOUR! Peter Siddle into the attack at the other end and immediately gives Graeme Smith too much width outside off. The Proteas skipper throws his hands at a freebie and records the first boundary of the morning.

1059: Michael Clarke has the ball and there's barely a cloud in the sky. Conditions are perfect for batting and my early tip is that we'll be seeing plenty of it from the Proteas today.

1048: Good morning all and welcome back to foxsports.com.au's LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of the second Test at Adelaide Oval. Trent Hile joining you again for what promises to be an intriguing day of Test cricket. South Africa will be keen to whittle away at Australia's first innings total, while the Aussies need early wickets to swing momentum their way.

We'll be joined by former Tasmania paceman Brett Geeves in the lunch break (about 1pm EDT) so send through your questions on all things cricket now.

Don't forget to join in the action by sending a question or comment to blogs@foxsports.com.au or by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Wanderers have been outstanding'

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 23 November 2012 | 14.23

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Respec ... Victory coach Ange Postecoglou is impressed with Wanderers' start in the A-League. Source:AAP

Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou admits he's been surprised with the quality of Western Sydney Wanderers' start to life in the A-League.

The Wanderers sit mid-table, with their hallmark under coach Tony Popovic a superbly organised defence.

Postecoglou knows how hard it is to start a coach's work from scratch, having laid down new styles and brought in fresh personnel at both his dual-champion Brisbane Roar and now the Victory.

"I think they've been outstanding to be honest,'' Postecoglou said ahead of his side's trip to Parramatta Stadium for their match on Saturday night.

"They've been not just competitive, but played some great football and they've been great for the comp.

"I know how tough it is, what they've done. If anything, I thought they may have started tailing off.

"But they seem to be covering the absences they've had, and the foreigners have fitted in pretty well.''

The coaching admiration is mutual.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Popovic believes Postecoglou is starting to work his magic at the Victory, overcoming early-season struggles to be unbeaten in their past three matches.

"They're starting to show the type of football he wants to play,'' Popovic said on Friday.

"It's been a catalyst for the league improving with the way he played in Brisbane.

"Now we're seeing he's gone to Melbourne and the influence he has there, they're playing very good football. We're expecting a very tough game.''

However despite Popovic's compliments, Postecoglou has warned squad changes in the January transfer window are likely if his club's leaky defence cannot be plugged in coming matches.

Despite an unbeaten run of three games, the Victory are allowing untimely goals with frightening regularity.

Only Sydney FC have conceded more goals this season - in large part due to their 7-2 smashing by Central Coast a few weeks ago.

Postecoglou says he will give his existing personnel the chance to sort out their problems.

But if they don't, he says the January transfer window could be an opportunity to bring in players who can.

"Maybe,'' Postecoglou said when asked if he would look outside the club to strengthen his defence.

"If we start looking to the transfer window from now, we'll miss about 10 games which could define our season.

"It's more about the players we've got at the moment and improving our performances in those areas.

"We need to stop conceding goals, and the goals we're conceding aren't the greatest.

"Defensively it's an area we need to strengthen, no doubt about that.''

But Postecoglou is thrilled with his side's creativity going forward, with the Victory's 12 goals in seven games making them the league's second top-scorers.

Postecoglou is set to bring back Socceroos striker Archie Thompson and midfielder Gui Finkler after they missed the 2-2 draw with Central Coast last weekend through illness and injury.

Midfielder Marcos Flores is suspended after his send-off last week, creating one starting vacancy.

But Postecoglou says exciting youngster Andrew Nabbout - who replaced Thompson and now has three goals in his past two matches - has earned the right to start.

That could mean Isaka Cernak drops to the bench after replacing Finkler last weekend.

The Wanderers will be without suspended Youssouf Hersi, which could open the door for ex-Newcastle Jets flyer Tarek Elrich to replace him.


Watch Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory live and exclusively on Fox Sports 1HD at 7:45pm on Saturday.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: AUS v SA, T2, D2

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Breakthrough ... David Warner snares the vital wicket of Hashim Amla. Source: David Mariuz / AFP

David Warner has picked up the vital scalp of Hashim Amla as Australia search for wickets late on day two of the second Test against South Africa in Adelaide.

Follow the action now with our live blog, and don't forget you can join in the conversation by posting a comment or sending an email through to blogs@foxsports.com.au

Brisbane Heat and Queensland allrounder James Hopes will be our special guest in the blog at lunchtime today. To ask him about the state of the game, the task facing South Africa, and the players involved, get your questions in before the lunch break.

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


2nd Test - Adelaide Oval

22 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

South Africa 1st Innings

G. Smith 111 220 12 0 50.45
J. Rudolph 25 48 2 0 52.08
N. Lyon 24 2 53 0 2.21

Stumps

First ball: 11:00 AM November 22, 2012
Location: Adelaide Oval

Match Summary

Australia: 10/550
South Africa: 2/217

Latest comments (all times AEDT):

1803: Smith starting to cramp up big time. Every shot looks painful. He'll sleep well tonight.

1801: Change of bowling with Rob Quiney into the attack with him medium-pacers. There's three overs left after this one in the day's play. Survival will be Plan A for Rudolph and Smith.

1758: FOUR! Warner bowls a long-hop and Rudolph only has to glide it behind point for an easy boundary.

1748: FOUR! HUNDRED TO SMITH! The Proteas skipper cuts behind point for a boundary and that brings up a memorable ton. A very gutsy innings by Smith, who has battled cramp for much of the dig. But he'll know there is still plenty of work to be done. SA 2/197

1743: Rudolph attempts to cut Siddle and finds the inside edge, but it falls short of Wade.

1742: Smith moves to 98. This is a really important knock for the skipper's confidence. His record against Australia is fairly plain compared to his overall numbers.

1738: Dave Andrews says: A very bloody ordinary review for the warner lbw shout. Blind freddy could tell that hit way outside the line. However, warner has done exactly what you said at 1712 - a couple full tosses, a couple long hops, but the wicket ball.

Trent says: I think the review came in shear desperation as if to say "that deserved a wicket".

1729: For those of you wondering why Jacques Kallis isn't at the crease, the number of overs he spent off the field yesterday and today through injury meant he is not permitted to bat until No.7.

1727: FOUR! Warner drops fractionally short and Rudolph is onto it, working him behind point for a boundary. SA 2/181

1722: APPEAL! NOT OUT! Warner rips a huge leggie from outside off stump, hitting Rudolph just outside the line of off. Gee that was close. They've gone for a review, but it's a poor one - the fans in Row Y could see that hit him outside the line. Still, what a ball from Warner. Squint, and you could have been forgiven for thinking it was one S.K. Warne with the ball in his hands.

1713: WICKET! (Amla 11, stumped Wade b Warner, SA 2/169) And Warner has done it! He entices Amla down the track and sneaks a leggie past the outside edge. Wade fumbles it but still has enough time to flick off the bails. Warner is delighted and so he should be, that's a massive wicket. Terrific captaincy from Clarke.

1712: Another interesting move by Clarke: Warner into the attack with his leg-spinners. Expect to see the odd full-toss or long-hop, but maybe a wicket ball among the bunch.

1710: FOUR! This time Lyon drops short and Smith is onto it in a flash, cutting through cover-point for a boundary. He moves to 87. Can Australia's omen number provide the vital breakthrough?

1709: Lyon beats Smith with a beauty first up. He sends down a big-turning offie that grips and slides past Smith's outside edge, only missing by a coat of varnish.

1705: FOUR! Amla goes through forward of point again with a flashy square drive. It's all hands, no feet... but it's still pretty to watch.

1701: Graeme Smith is edging towards a ton and Chandler of Brisbane can see this getting ugly for Australia: "This could be India 2003 all over again at the Adelaide oval. put 400+ on the board on day 1 and get beaten."

1658: We mentioned Chris Hartley in our chat with James Hopes earlier today, and Conor of Brisbane is a firm supporter of his: "Chris Hartley should be in the team. Best keeper by far, can bat too. This preoccupation with a batsmen that can keep a bit is ridiculous. The top 6 should be able to score enough runs without having another specialist batsmen at 7."

1653: FOUR! Amla produces a sublime drive through cover. There wasn't much footwork in that, just thrown hands and sweet timing.

1644: WICKET! REVIEW! NOT OUT! Pattinson comes back into the attack and has his man Graeme Smith seemingly edging first ball! Smith consults with his partner and opts to review the decision. The replays are inconclusive with Hot Spot revealing no signs of an edge. The decision is overturned. Wow, how will Pattinson come back from that?

1629: That run out looked terrible. Smith got in the road of Petersen, who then took his time getting home. He'll be kicking himself.

1625: RUN OUT CHANCE! GONE! Some smart work from Mike Hussey, who catches Petersen short of his ground with a direct hit. Rookie error there - Petersen didn't slide his bat. That's a crucial breakthrough for the Aussies. (Petersen 54, run out (Hussey), SA 1/138)

1621: FOUR! Siddle back into the attack and bowls a good-length delivery, but Smith plays a superb straight-drive that beats a diving James Pattinson at mid-off.

1617: FOUR! Smith pushes back in the crease and punches Lyon behind point for four.

1614: FOUR! Really classy shot there from Petersen, rocking onto the back foot and dabbing a late cut through backward point for a boundary.

1611: FIFTY TO PETERSEN. He joins his skipper as the maker of a half-century with a push to mid-off and the pair scamper through for a single. Petersen looks a really classy player, quite similar in the mould of Hashim Amla. He doesn't move around the crease a lot, but every shot he plays is made with purpose and sweet timing.

1601: The players are back in the middle with Lyon to kick things off for Australia.

1555: Michael of Port asks: "Hey guys, do you think Starc will get the opportunity to wear the baggy green at the WACA? Do you think he will relish his chance with it on?"

Trent says: If Australia are going to go with four quicks (which depends largely on the pitch) then I'd imagine he will get his chance, Michael. I know people are quick to knock what he's done recently because it's been with the white ball, but he showed good wicket-taking ability last summer against India and has come on leaps and bounds since. He's heading in the right direction and I think he can make an impact this summer.

1539: A token over from Mike Hussey isn't enough to unsettle this pair and the Proteas head to tea in a strong position at 0/117.

1530: As we edge towards tea, Australia desperately need a wicket to take some momentum into the final session.

1519: FOUR! Petersen plays a glorious cover-drive to a full delivery from Michael Clarke to edge towards his half-century. The Proteas are cruising at 0/98 and James Pattinson comes back into the attack to try and make something happen.

1516: FOUR! Hilfenhaus strays onto leg stump and Petersen clips it behind square to beat the fielder to the rope. Replays show that Wade lost sight of the ball as Smith advanced down the track.

1512: MISSED STUMPING! Clarke has Smith coming down the wicket again and beats him for flight, but Wade misses a simple chance behind the stumps. The extra bounce undid him there.

1506: FOUR! Hilfenhaus overpitches slightly and Smith uses his hands to guide one through the gap in front of cover. He's looming ominously.

1504: Almost! Clarke entices Smith out of his crease and the Proteas skipper gets a thick inside edge which squirts to fine leg.

1503: Michael Clarke brings himself into the attack. Everything he touches seems to turn to gold at the moment so it wouldn't surprise me to see him jag one.

1501: John C says: "Clarke playing for records should have declared along time ago what do you think?"

Trent says: I'm not sure whether you're running on WA time John, but South Africa have been in bat for a couple of hours now. And the 550 Australia scored before being bowled out this morning doesn't look so big at this stage...

1458: FOUR! Hilfenhaus gives Smith too much width outside off stump and the skipper feasts on a juicey half-volley, punching it through to cover for four. The Proteas are looking comfortable. SA 0/73

1450: Siddle begins his fifth over - so far he's got 0/6 off four. That's a handy return so far on this pitch. At the other end of the scale, I just read this story on the Fox Sports website: Tahir's figures among Test worst.

1447: Arthur has emailed through with an interesting argument for the introduction of substitutes in Test match cricket: It was gratifying to hear the ABC Radio Commentators championing  a discussion on substitutes in Test Match cricket. I'm not a particularly good student of the rules of 50/50 and 20/20, but there is no reason why the same substitute rules should not apply. If any country, visiting or home team, could be allowed to have up to 16 players available to represent in any game of cricket, then the face of the game would be changed for the better forever.

Trent says: I think it's a valid argument Arthur. My only concern is that teams could misuse it as they have misused the use of a runner in the past. But it's certainly something the ICC will have to look at. What does everyone think?

1436: FOUR! Petersen dances down the track to a flighted delivery from Lyon and lobs him over mid-on for a boundary. I don't think Lyon will mind seeing that.

1422: Solid start from the vegetarian from Gippsland. He beats Petersen with a beauty from the last delivery of the over.

1419: Peter Siddle enters the attack in his 35th Test appearance.

1415: Bowling man writes: Hi trent, who is next in line in the batting and will the aussies pick four quicks in perth?

Trent says: Usman Khawaja is tipped as the man next in line. He leads the Sheffield Shield for runs and from what I've seen this year, his technique looks in outstanding order. As for Perth, I think Clarke will seriously consider using four quicks but it will come down to a final inspection of the pitch on the day before the game.

1406: Nice start from Lyon. There looks to be plenty of bounce and some spin for him in this wicket.

1403: Well here's an interesting piece of captaincy from Clarke. Nathan Lyon is introduced into the attack.

1400: FOUR! Smith moves across his stumps and works Hilfenhaus through the vacant forward-square region.

1357: FOUR! Pattinson overpitches on leg-stump and Petersen calmly flicks him away through mid-wicket for his second boundary from the over.

1355: FOUR! Petersen plays a classical cover-drive to a James Pattinson half-volley and it races away to the fence.

1348: FOUR! Pattinson bowls too straight to Smith and the Proteas skipper clips a low full-toss away to the mid-wicket boundary. SA 0/17

1347: FOUR! Pattinson entices an edge from Smith but it falls short of the cordon and runs away to the boundary rope. The next ball, Pattinson beats Smith all ends up with a beauty and has a bit to say about it too.

1345: Thankyou very much to James Hopes for giving up some time during his Thanksgiving celebrations to join us. The players are fed and back out in the middle, with James Pattinson taking the ball.

From Dale Kunst: What do you have to do to make the Aussie side or for that any QUEENSLANDER????

James Hopes says: I'd have to be a bit more consistent than I have been in the long form of the game. I always filled that spot in the one-day team where if they were going to make a change, that's the spot - the guys who bats seven and bowls a bit - that'll be shuffled out of the team. That's always been the case and I accept that. We have a few guys coming through and if they keep scoring runs, they'll be talked about ... the Joey Burns' and Usman Khawajas.

Mick from Cairns asks: Is Chris Hartley the next best 'keeper in Australia after Matthew Wade?

James Hopes says: He's right in the top bracket. I think it's a very small gap between Wade (and I've got a lot of time for Matty, we played together in the IPL, he's a wonderful cricketer and he's rightfully kept his place in the team) and the top four of five keepers in the country. All of them could do a very good job for Australia and Harts is right in that mix.

Creggy from Adelaide asks: Dale Steyn will play alongside you at the Heat. Have you ever faced him before?

James Hopes says: He gave me the biggest bruise of my career on my shoulder in a one day game in South Africa. He's an exceptional bowler. His speed changes a fair bit depending on the situation of the game. If he gets a sniff, his speed all of a sudden cranks up to about 150km/h.

Billy Bob from Mackay says: Why did they put Catfish on your shirt as your nickname?

James Hopes ... joins foxsports.com.au during the lunch break. Source:

James Hopes says: It was Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden when I first started playing. I was obviously quite young and my facial hair never really grew consistently so they said I had facial hair like a catfish. One day I turned up at the ground and Catfish was on my shirt.

Stevey M from Brisbane says: You played a lot of cricket with Shane Watson in Queensland – would you put him in the team for the third Test just as a batsman?

James Hopes says: Yes. I'm a firm believer that he's in the top three or four batsmen in the country, let alone the top six.

Mitchell from the Gold Coast says: Gidday, James. Virender Sehwag smashed an amazing century against England the other day and David Warner hit a beauty yesterday – you have played with Virender at Delhi in the IPL and against Dave – who's the best first-class player out of them and who is the best T20 player out of them?

James Hopes says: I think in the IPL Virender is slightly better than Davey purely because he plays spin better. But in Test match cricket, Sehwag has a record that rivals any opening batsman in the world. I'm sure if Davey plays for long enough he will end up being talked about in the same breath as Sehwag because they are very similar players and can win you a Test match off their own bat.

Angus from Sydney says: When are you playing again – for the Bulls next week or are you waiting for the BBL?

James Hopes says: I've been put on ice until the first Big Bash game. We made a mistake last year coming back a little bit too early from my other knee and we're not making the same mistake. I'm back in full training, but it's a little too soon to play the Shield game on Tuesday.

John from Brisbane says: Hey James, I read you are married to an American - are you celebrating Thanksgiving today as well as watching the Test? Does your wife like cricket?

James Hopes says: She's getting to like cricket. We are celebrating Thanksgiving, more so on the weekend, but we're watching the cricket as well as the NFL. We're Denver Broncos fans - that's where she grew up.

1259: As Pattinson kicks off the final over before lunch, Nick of Cecil Hills asks: Is there something wrong with Tahir or are South Africa low in the spinner's department?

Trent says: He looked very pedestrian out there yesterday and today. Bowled either too full or too short with little consistency, and went for almost eight an over! As a former leggie, I know it's not an easy gig - but you can't build any pressure bowling like that. They have left-arm spinner Paul Harris at home who has't played Test cricket in quite a while, but really impressed when he was last over here. Maybe he gets another chance?

1252: CHANCE! CLOSE! Pattinson drops short to Petersen and has him pulling in the air. The ball just evades Ed Cowan at square leg.

1250: Some nice shape from Hilfy in his opening over. He appears to be bending it into the left-handed Smith later than the early-hooping stuff he bowled at the Gabba. Pattinson to kick things off from the other end.

1247: Ben Hilfenhaus takes the new rock. Lets see if he can get it to swing.

1242: As the players make their way back out onto the field, just a reminder that we have Queensland and Brisbane Heat all-rounder James Hopes joining us in the lunch break. Make sure you get through your questions now, either by posting a comment or by emailing blogs@foxsports.com.au.

1237: WICKET! (Pattinson 42 c Smith b Steyn, AUS 10/550) The Proteas finally get their man with Smith fumbling but eventually grasping a straight-forward chance from Pattinson at first slip. That brings to an end an exciting cameo from Pattinson who departs for an entertaining 42.

1233: SIX! Pattinson goes long! Tahir can only watch on helplessly as his delivery is dispatched over the long-on fence and into the construction site for another six.

1230: DROPPED! Oh no! Pattinson spoons one straight up in the air and Faf du Plessis loses it in the sun. It looks comical, but I don't think Steyn will see the funny side in that one.

1227: FOUR! FOUR! Steyn into Pattinson, who rocks onto the back foot and drives, again with sublime timing. That's a big boundary out there but it races away to the rope. Steyn gives Pattinson some width and again he's onto the back foot, gliding one behind point and to the fence for another boundary. These are valuable runs for Australia.

1226: SIX! This time Pattinson slog sweeps with superb timing. It sails over the rope in front of square for six! He barely hit that. AUS 9/530

1225: FOUR! Tahir into the attack and he drops short to Pattinson, who punches him off the back foot and into a gap on the off side for four.

1215: FOUR! Beautiful shot from Pattinson, who leans onto the back foot and plays an off-drive worthy of a top-order batsman.

1213: Jayvee says: Amazing what can happen when you pitch the ball up and give it a chance to swing. Only Kallis did, for a few over yesterday. Now they have all learned and it's a different game. Hopefully our bowlers can do the same, and keep their stupid big front foot behind the crease!

Trent says: It almost looks like a different game out there this morning. Michael Clarke said the Proteas bowled way too short yesterday -  they've clearly listened.

1208: FOUR! Kleinveldt strays down the legside and Lyon helps it on its way to open his account.

1203: WICKET! (Hilfenhaus 0, c Kleinveldt b Morkel, AUS 9/504) Well the Proteas continue to fight back and Ben Hilfenhaus joins his teammates back in the sheds. The Tasmanian attempts a bold hook against a short one from Morkel but doesn't get enough of it, managing only to send it straight up in the air with Rory Kleinveldt accepting the catch behind square. That's five to Morkel now and Australia have lost 4/22 this morning.

1152: WICKET! (Siddle 6 c Smith b Kleinveldt, AUS 8/503) And at last, Kleinveldt picks up his first Test scalp. Siddle attempts to defend outside off-stump but only succeeds in edging to Graeme Smith who takes a simple chance. Wait, they're checking for a no ball. The replays show there's a millimetre in it, but the benefit goes with the bowler. Siddle departs and South Africa continue their fightback.

1150: A bit of luck there for Pattinson. Morkel bowls him a steep bouncer, and the Aussie paceman ducks but leaves his bat exposed in the air. The ball collects the edge of the bat, ballooning safely to fine leg and the batsmen pick up two. I think it's safe to say that won't be the last bouncer Pattinson receives this morning.

1146: Rory Kleinveldt replaces Steyn in the attack and continues his search for his first Test wicket.

1145: There's two sides to every story, and Graham Sclanders reminds us that there's also two sides to every innings: Guess What ... South Africa still have to bat.. Don't count your chooks yet!!!

1142: WICKET! (Wade c De Villers b Morkel, AUS 7/501) And that's how quickly this game can change. Matt Wade flashes at a good-length delivery outside off stump and picks up a feint edge, with De Villiers making no mistake behind the wicket. Australia might struggle just to get 550 now after 700 looked a real possibility at the start of the day.

1140: FOUR! Siddle opens his account with a superb flick off his legs as Morkel strays onto leg stump. Lets not forget that the Victorian quick is no slouch with the bat.

1136: Timmy of Sydney says: Trent.. how long do you think Australia should bat on before declaring? Its obviously a batsmen's paradise out there and not offering the bowlers too much. Maybe just before lunch?

Trent says: Morning Timmy. The wicket of Clarke probably takes the power card out of Australia's hands and the next hour will decide the state of the game before lunch. If these two dig in, there will be a platform for the tail to really launch towards 650-700. But if they lose a quick wicket or two, they might only be looking at 550.

1128: So as the context of this morning appears to change with the wicket of Clarke, Redback20 says: We should bat em out of the game firstly, possibly a declaration by tea but we're only 1 wicket away from our tail. Either way it seems SAf will be facing around teatime, and hopefully 650ish behind which puts immediate pressure on their batsmen to post 100s. Kallis is virtually done already... btw. why can't he have a runner Trent?

Trent says: It's a new rule Redback. The ICC have abolished runners to stop them being misused for players suffering cramp etc. The issue now is whether they should bring in some form of substitution rule to cover for players genuinely injured. South Africa looked like they were down to nine at one stage yesterday!

1121: WICKET! (Clarke 230, b Morkel, AUS 6/494) Well he looked a little loose this morning and Clarke is eventually knocked over by Morne Morkel, not moving his feet to a good ball. The end to a remarkable innings from the skipper. That wicket could have a big impact on the remainder of the session.

1113: FOUR! Clarke gets away with a pull shot, not middled, but enough on it to see it to the rope at mid-wicket. AUS 5/492

1112: CHANCE! SAFE! Morkel squares Clarke up with a well-directed bouncer and finds a leading edge. The ball spoons straight up in the air, AB de Villiers races forward from his post at keeper and dives but it falls short. Some luck early for the skipper.

1109: FOUR! Wade gets off the mark with an innocuous-looking forward prod that races away through cover-point for the first boundary of the morning.

1102: Dale Steyn finishes his one remaining delivery - Matt Wade lets it go watchfully - and Morne Morkel takes the ball at the other end.

1059: Clarke and Matt Wade are making their way to the wicket. Temperatures are expected to hit 33 degrees later today.

1054: It will be interesting to see what approach Australia will take into the middle today. The blistering rate they scored at yesterday means there is still so much time left in this Test for the result to still go either way. Will Clarke look to bat until tea then send the Proteas in for one session, or is time the last thing on his mind? How do you think the Aussies should approach their work today?

1042: Good morning all and welcome back to foxsports.com.au's LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of the second Test at Adelaide Oval. Trent Hile joining you fresh from witnessing one of the most scintillating days of Test cricket I have ever seen. Michael Clarke and Matt Wade will be looking to pick up from where the Aussies left things last night, pounding the Proteas into the turf with a massive first innings total.

We have a treat for foxsports.com.au users today, with Brisbane Heat and Queensland allrounder James Hopes joining us as our special guest in the lunchtime break. To ask him about the state of the game, the task facing South Africa, and the players involved, get your questions in before the lunch break.

Don't forget to join in the action by sending a question or comment to blogs@foxsports.com.au or by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Patinack Farm jobs safe - for now

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 22 November 2012 | 14.23

EMPLOYEES of Nathan Tinkler's racing business will keep their jobs, at least for now, after management came to an arrangement with the liquidators of Patinack Farm Administration.

There was speculation more than 200 jobs could have been in jeopardy following Wednesday's Federal Court ruling in Adelaide that ordered the liquidation of the company.

Patinack Farm Administration, an arm of Tinkler's racing empire, was the subject of legal action brought by creditor WorkCover South Australia claiming almost $17,000 in unpaid monies.

Anthony Matthews & Associates, the company charged with the liquidation process, issued a statement on Thursday confirming there would be no immediate job losses.

"I advise that following discussions with the management of the company that employees will not have their employment terminated today," Matthews said in the statement.

"I have had discussions with Mr Troy Palmer, a director of the company, who advises me that it is management's intention to fund the liquidator to meet trading and other expenses to enable the company to continue to trade and pay all creditors of the company in full."

Head trainer John Thompson was at Randwick trackwork in the early hours of Thursday morning, and it was business as usual for the Patinack team.

Patinack Farm has one runner engaged for Rosehill on Saturday and two at Eagle Farm in Brisbane where they also have a training base.

Only last week Patinack Farm announced the closure of its 50-box Melbourne stable, and it won't be represented at Moonee Valley this weekend.

It also confirmed chief executive Peter Beer had been released from his employment contract as part of the downsizing of its racing business.

The stable closure and the departure of Beer came shortly after it was revealed that Sydney and Melbourne race clubs had held back hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizemoney won by Patinack Farm horses to offset the operation's racing debts.

The debts relate to unpaid stable and track fees as well as sponsorship arrears.

Last month, Tinkler sold more than 300 of his thoroughbreds at auction with a further 40 mares scheduled to go under the hammer.

Wednesday's Federal Court ruling against Patinack Farm Administration came just a day after another of Tinkler's companies, Mulsanne Resources, was placed into liquidation.

The action followed a NSW Supreme Court order over an unpaid $28.4 million debt to coal company Blackwood for a stake in the business.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: AUS v SA, T2, D1

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Milestone ... Clarke becomes the first player to score four Test double tons in a year. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey put South Africa to the sword as Australia build a big first innings total late on day one of the second Test in Adelaide.

Join in the conversation by either posting a comment below 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.


2nd Test - Adelaide Oval

22 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

M. Clarke 216 240 38 1 90
M. Hussey 101 132 9 4 76.52
M. Morkel 21.3 5 123 2 5.72

Live

First ball: 11:00 AM November 22, 2012
Location: Adelaide Oval

Match Summary

Australia: 4/472
South Africa:

Latest comments (all times AEDT):

1808: Well this is a positive sign for South Africa with Dale Steyn returning to take the new ball. The Proteas desperately need a wicket before stumps to get themselves back in this Test.

1805: HUSSEY REACHES 100! There's no time to bask in Clarke's achievement with Hussey belting Tahir for six over mid-wicket to notch his own century. That's a remarkable shot - he took it from wide outside of off-stump to bring up a Test match ton. It's all happening here in Adelaide. AUS 4/455

1804: CLARKE MAKES HISTORY! Clarke works one around the corner and scurries through for a single to bring up his double-ton. It's a historic feat too, becoming the first player to score four scores of 200 or more in a year.

1800: FOUR! Clarke slams Du Plessis through cover to move within reach of the double-century. A single takes him to 199.

1758: SIX! A rank Tahir full-toss is smashed over the mid-wicket fence by Clarke for six. He moves to 194 with a two and a single to finish the over. AUS 4/441

1757: FOUR! Tahir bowls to Clarke from around the wicket and drops fractionally short, with the skipper jumping back to give himself enough room to cut one to the vacant cover-point fence.

1752: Jynx crisis avoided with Hussey past that cursed number. Turning our attention to Clarke; if the skipper can reach 200 in this innings, he will become the first player to score four double-tons in a year.

1747: FOUR! Hussey continues to drive brilliantly and looks well on his way to another ton. Wait... he's on 87. Touch wood.

1743: Thanks to Drew White for pointing us to an article of what the Proteas have been up to in their break. Check it out here. Drew makes a good point: with nine days in between Tests, surely they could have scheduled a three-day match against a PM's XI or local side?

1740: Toby Hicks asks: What are Usman's stats this year? Phil Hughes? I think they need to be making a few more hundreds to get back into this team. The truth is, if Ponting was to be dropped (how sad), the replacement would be Watson. Having picked Quiney, he must be given a chance to cement his spot. Not everyone starts with a hundred on debut, and the last guy that did that for Australia was playing for the WA second XI last week!

Trent says:
Khawaja is the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield with 430 at 60.39, including one ton. Hughes has 352 at 55.87. For those of you calling for Ponting's head, he's scored 355 at an average of 118.

1733: As the Aussies bring up 400 runs on the board, Daniel Bedford says: Will it come down to the board being forced to tap Ponting on the shoulder or do you think he'll call it stumps shortly? Also is there anyone banging down the door to take his spot fulltime?

Trent says: Ponting has said that he will walk when he knows his time is up. I think they will give him the rest of this series to prove to himself whether or not that time has come. As for replacements, Usman Khawaja is the man ringing the front door with a stack of runs in impressive fashion this season.

1727: FOUR! Clarke drives Tahir in the air through cover but evades the fielder to notch another boundary.

1723: SIX! Morkel resumes with a bouncer aimed at Hussey's helmet, but the veteran shows his eyes are still in working order, hooking it off his nostrils and over the fence behind square. Hussey moves to 68.

1716: As drinks come out onto the field, Mark from BrisVegas sheds some light on what the Proteas have been doing in-between Tests: There was a story in the newspapers a few days after the First Test ... they went on holidays and fishing. Their coach, Kirstin, went home. They only started practising again three days before this test. The article wondered how it would affect them going into this game. Now we know.

1714: FOUR! FOUR! Clarke sweeps Tahir square of the wicket with great effect. He dances down to the next delivery but doesn't quite middle his drive, only just evading an attempted diving catch from the man at mid-off. AUS 4/378

1708: WICKET! REVIEW! OVERTURNED: NOT OUT! Morkel beats Hussey's outside edge and the Proteas go up for a caught behind. After a long appeal, Billy Bowden raises the finger! Hussey looks bemused and after consultation with his skipper, opts for a review. The replays show no sign of an edge on Hot Spot. Hussey survives and the misery continues for South Africa.

1657: FOUR! FOUR! FOUR! FOUR! FOUR! Morkel back into the attack. Clarke wastes no time, merely following through with an off-drive first ball and lofting it over the top with sweet timing. Morkel then drops short, Clarke cashing in with an exquisite drive off the back foot through backward point. Next ball - mirror to the second, with exactly the same result. Next ball, Clarke punches a drive and mid-off can only watch as it sails past his reach and to the rope. To finish the over, Clarke launches into the shot of the day - a textbook on-drive for four. That's 20 from the over and 150 up for Clarke. AUS 4/367

1656: SIX! Hussey goes for a slog sweep off Tahir's bowling and makes sweet contact, but there's a man on the fence at mid-wicket! He leaps, but to no avail, the ball clearing the rope and cannoning into the fence.

1654: Why have South Africa been so poor today? Boof's left foot has the answer: What have the Proteas been doing to make em sloppy Trent? ... maybe Penfolds winery like Charles & Camilla and Hillary Clinton were also doing here the other week.

Trent says: They wouldn't be the first (or last) to fall victim to one too many bottles of Penfolds' finest. But as they say, when in Adelaide...

1651: ANOTHER SCARE FOR SOUTH AFRICA! Dale Steyn becomes the second Protea to clutch at the hammy mid run-up! This is shaping as a nightmare for Graeme Smith, who loses his second frontline bowler for the day. Steyn leaves the field to receive treatment as Kleinveldt finishes the over.

1641: FOUR! FIFTY TO HUSSEY! Mr Cricket rocks onto the back foot and glides Kleinveldt behind point for four. Another handy dig from the veteran here, who seems to have answered any questions over his place in next year's Ashes series.

1638: FOUR! Clarke uses his feet to perfection, meeting a Tahir leggy at the pitch of the ball and going straight down the ground.

1636: Clarke drives Tahir through cover for another boundary, and Tristan of Alice Springs has an answer to the back-to-back Ashes extravaganza: Trent, they were just talking to the ACB on ABC grandstand. The reason for the ashes change is that the 2012 ashes was postponed to 2013 due to the olympics and the 2014-15 ashes that we were meant to host is being played earlier so not to clash with the world cup we are hosting then.

Trent says: Cheers Tristan, that makes perfect sense. Thanks also to Rippersportspro, Scott Vassal and Shane Hatch for helping clear that up.

1630: FOUR! Tahir drops short and Clarke cuts, setting off for a run - only to realise there isn't a fielder within cooee of the ball.

1626: FOUR! FOUR! Textbook cover-drive from Clarke, followed by an efficient pull shot from Hussey, as Kleinveldt looks on in despair. He's still yet to claim his first Test wicket and going for four-and-a-half an over despite being one of South Africa's better bowlers today.

1622: FOUR! There's nothing wrong with a good-length Morkel delivery, but Hussey hits straight through the line for a glorious cover-drive boundary. This bloke simply gets better with age.

1619: In response to the release of the Ashes draw for next year, Mark Fletcheron says via email: I have a question, how come the ashes are both being played in England and Australia in the same year? Why has the schedule for the Ashes changed?

Trent says: Not sure the reasoning behind it Mark, but all I can say is we should have no doubts who the better side is after 10 Tests in the space of a few months.

1613: The Proteas have looked really sloppy both with the ball and in the field today. I wonder what they've been doing in the week between Tests and whether the gap has hurt their preparations?

1610: FOUR! Kleinveldt strays onto leg stump and Hussey helps it on its way to the rope at fine leg. Hussey now 36 off 45 - a similar rate to his innings at the Gabba.

1606: Chris Andrews says: The over rate is dreadful. South Africa will be lucky to get the second new ball before stumps.

Trent says: Spot on there Chris, I think they've fallen about 10 overs behind now.

1600: As the players make their way back out onto the Adelaide Oval, Ben of Hobart asks: In the last year, how many times has Michael Clarke gotten out and how many times has he batted? The interview with Watson made me wonder as he hasn't gotten out in this series yet.

Trent says: Since the New Years Test in Sydney this year, Clarke has batted 12 times, been not out three of them (including this match), and scored 1145 runs at 127.2. That's Bradman-like.

1542: TEA! Well after a few nervous moments this morning, Australia are well and truly in the box seat at tea on day one with Michael Clarke and David Warner notching brilliant centuries. The Aussies are scoring at will and look on track for a big first innings total. Grab your afternoon coffee and we'll be back shortly.

1534: HUNDRED TO CLARKE! The skipper squeezes a cut behind point to bring up his ton. The crowd gives him a generous applause as he acknowledges his teammates and various corners of the ground. What an innings from a man in rare form. AUS 4/277.

1533: SIX! FOUR! Tahir serves Hussey up a rank long hop and the veteran wallops him over the rope at mid-wicket. Next ball, he overpitches wide of off-stump and Hussey pierces the field with a brutal cover drive. This is getting ugly for the leggie.

1530: Steyn has adopted a new tactic to Clarke, going round the wicket and at the badge on his helmet. It's stopped the scoring, for this over at least.

1526: FOUR! Tahir overpitches and Hussey launches into a magnificent cover drive that races to the fence. Tahir is going at nine-an-over, which is an even bigger problem for Graeme Smith with the loss of Jacques Kallis. AUS 4/262

1524: FOUR! The leg-spinner Tahir dishes up Clarke a juicey full-toss and the skipper nonchalantly clips the ball square of mid-wicket for a boundary. Another single takes him to 98 off just 100 balls.

1519: FOUR! In the blink of an eye, Clarke moves to 91 with a cut behind square of Steyn's bowling that trickles to the rope. This guy is in some serious form. Is there anyone in better touch in world cricket at the moment?

1514: Stan of Stanmore throws on his selector's cap: Where are all the unAustralian Dave Warner haters now? Hiding under their rocks? This kid is special - he will be a future captain. Ponting and Quiney on the other hand should be axed immediately. To fail on an absolute road against pop-gun bowlers is unforgivable. Hughes and Khawaja should be in - they are decimating Shield bowling attacks at present. Very angry at Aussie selectors - unless we get some good batsmen in the Poms will kill us.

1505: FOUR! Hussey pierces a gap in the off-side field with a confident push off the front-foot.

1459: SIX! Mike Hussey joins the party! Kleinveldt drops short and Hussey makes the most of the short boundary, dispatching him over the fence at square-leg for a six.

1457: We digress for a moment to draw your attention to the Ashes fixtures for 2013. You can check them out here. There'll be just 10 One Day Internationals next summer - that's half the amount on this year's schedule. Is anyone disappointed to see less ODIs? Is this a sign that 50-over cricket is a dieing form of the game? Send through your thoughts.

1449: FOUR! To add insult to injury, Kleinveldt oversteps and Clarke works him away through the on-side and to the rope. That's 10 off the over. AUS 4/223

1447! APPEAL! REFERRAL! NOT OUT! Kleinveldt beats Clarke and the Proteas go up for a caught behind. The decision is given not out by Umpire Bowden and the visitors opt for a referral. Hot Spot shows no sign of an edge. Clarke stays and South Africa are now out of reviews.

1446: EDGE! FOUR! Clarke goes hard at a probing Kleinveldt delivery outside off and gets lucky with the edge piercing the men at first and second slip.

1445: FOUR! Hussey gets away through one of his trademark square drives.

1439: WICKET! (Warner 119 c Smith b Morkel, AUS 4/210) At last, the Proteas breathe a collective sigh of relief with Morkel finding the outside edge of a defending Warner who picks out Graeme Smith at slip. Warner departs for an entertaining yet crucial 119 after rescuing Australia from early danger. Michael Hussey strides out to the middle.

1437: FOUR! South Africa's woes continue with Kleinveldt enticing an edge from Clarke, only to see it travel in the air through the vacant third-slip region. To make matters worse for the lanky paceman, it's been called a no-ball.

1428: As the run feast continues, Hugo says: Hi trent. How much pressure will Ricky be under? Clarke cant keep defending him on what he did last summer against india. South africa is a different side.

Trent says: Hugo, I don't think it's any secret that Punter will be under immense pressure if he doesn't score runs in the second innings. But you have to remember that he's averaging more than 150 in Shield cricket this year, so it's not as if he hasn't been in form, and you add that to the 13,000 runs he's scored in the baggy green. I still think he's got more to offer. Give him one more chance in Perth.

1422: FOUR! FOUR! Now Morkel drops short to Clarke who leans back and helps it on its way over the slips and to the vacant third-man boundary. Warner finishes the over with an edge but the field is spread and there's no third slip to stop him picking up another - less convincing - four. The runs are flowing like Friday drinks.

1420: FOUR! Cop that! Morkel steams in and Warner throws his shoulders at a ball outside off stump, heaving it over the top of cover for another four. He gets slightly lucky with the next ball, going for the repeat but getting less bat on it, picking up three as it pulls up short of the rope.

1410: FOUR! FOUR! Morkel drops a fraction too short and Clarke is onto it in a flash, cutting him behind point and to the rope. The next ball, he works Morkel through mid-wicket for another boundary, bringing up his 50 in the process. Clarke is now 53 off just 56 balls and looming ominously.

1408: FOUR! The runs are flowing in Adelaide with Clarke working one off the pads and around the corner for another four. That's 17 off the Tahir over. AUS 3/164

1407: FOUR! HUNDRED TO WARNER! Warner wastes no time, clubbing a Tahir half-volley the very next ball through point to bring up his ton. What an innings under pressure. He's done it off just 93 balls.

1406: SIX! Warner moves within a shot of the ton with a belligerent slog-sweep to Tahir.

1403: FOUR! Clarke gets away with one there, French-cutting Morkel for a streaky four to fine-leg. Thankfully for Clarke, they all go down in the scorebook the same.

1402: FOUR! Morkel replaces Du Plessis in the attack. He drops short to Warner early in the over who neatly tucks him to the leg-side and into the gap in almost arrogant fashion for another boundary. Warner's pre-Test critics are ducking for cover as he moves to 90.

1358: APPEAL! REVIEW! Tahir catches Clarke on the pads and goes up with an enthusiastic appeal. Umpire Bowden turns it down. The Proteas opt for an appeal. It's close, hitting him in line - but it was too high. The decision stands.

1357: FOUR! Clarke comes down to Tahir and lifts him over mid-on for another boundary.

1354: Australia have now scored 31 runs from the three overs after lunch. You wonder what Graeme Smith is going to do after taking off his frontline spinner, Tahir, in favour of Du Plessis who was absolutely belted.

They've found the ball that Warner belted into the construction site and Tahir will take it from the other end.

1351: SIX! FOUR! Faf Du Plessis replaces Tahir in the attack and kicks off the over with a big, loopy, waist-high full toss. That's all the invitation Warner needs, cracking it into the building site. That will take some finding. The umpires go for a new ball. A single brings Clarke on strike, and he dances down the track to dispose of another full-toss.

1346: FOUR! FOUR! Morkel drops short and Clarke heaves him over mid-wicket with terrific timing. The next ball, Morkel pitches up outside off-stump and Clarke plays a glorious cover drive to make it back-to-back boundaries. The skipper looks in great touch again today.

1342: FOUR! SIX! Tahir resumes and Warner shows he didn't lose his timing over lunch, sweeping a full-toss through mid-wicket and beating the man on the rope. Tahir ends the over with a juicey full-bunger and Warner's eyes light up, dispatching him over the mid-wicket fence for his second maximum of the innings. Warner moves to 77. AUS 3/110

1339: As we near resumption in Adelaide, the Ponting critics are warming their voices:

Paul of Wyong says: The last time I saw someone fall down like Ponting was watching Bambi or Jumbo when I was a kid lol but fear not because our brilliant selectors have him pencilled in to lead our A team to England. Lets get this summer out of the way first before we consider next year. If Ponting fails in the second dig I implore the selectors to recall Usman Khawaja and call time on Ponting's wonderful career. I would rather lose the series blooding young talent than get beaten with over the hill players.

Bodie says: This is sad. It's like watching a punch- drunk boxer refusing to leave the ring. Sorry Ricky, it's time.

Saying Like IT IS of Greenny says:
Well said ASTON Of CBD , i am a huge fan of Ponting but he had a wonder career. Should retire on a high take inspiration from people like steve who knew when was the right time to leave. Quiney after the first test how he got out to a well execute plan indicates to me that he lacks the patience for that of test cricket. so drop him for some one new a little younger like Alex Doolan. Or radical some another all rounder like Dan Christian, Moises Henriques or Glen Maxwell.

1325: Mad Mick of ACT says: Trent, how do handle all the keyboard selectors on here, who change their team every innings. The same ones calling for Warners head last test called for Cowans three weeks ago now want ponting and Quiney gone. Don't get me started on the bowlers.

Trent says: The tunes change more frequently than the tides on here Mick... although I don't know whether I can talk - are there any more fickle than journalists?

1312: Damo joins us from all the way over in Japan: Hi guys, marvellous blog, following in Japan. Very disappointed in our start, as usual our selectors have chosen duds. Where did they pluck this Quiney bloke from, 3rd grade in Rowville? Also, where is starc? We are carrying pop-gun Hilfy again! C'mon punter rescue us! Cheers, Damo.

Trent says: Sadly there'll be no Punter rescue missions this time Damo, but yes, Hilfy is back. Was anyone else surprised that they didn't go with Starc? To be fair, Hilfenhaus did bowl consistently at the Gabba and really dried up the runs at one end which can make guys like Pattinson and Siddle more dangerous. Still, I'm hoping he will rediscover that late swing we saw from him last summer.

1309: Workplace cricket followers, spare a thought for Matthew Darby who says: Speaking of not having coverage, I work for a company that has 10 floors, all of which have multiple TVs on every floor… except for ours!! To add to that my Cricket live app isn't working. Thank goodness for fox sports Blogs!!

Trent says: Keep your hardluck stories coming through to blogs@foxsports.com.au

1307: The word is that Kallis has strained a glute - a very painful injury that is unlikely to see him bowl again today.

1300: LUNCH! Well after a blistering start, followed by a mini-collapse, Australia are in an OK spot at 3/100 at lunch with Dave Warner still there and looking good on 67. The Proteas have lost Jacques Kallis to a likely hamstring injury but we're yet to receive any updates on his condition.

1256: FOUR! Kleinveldt drops short to Clarke and the skipper pulls without complete control but still manages to muscle it to the rope at mid-wicket. That's also the hundred up for the Aussies. AUS 3/100

1254: Almost to answer our question immediately, the first one turns in a big way past Clarke's outside edge. Tidy start from Tahir; three runs from it.

1253: Very intriguing bowling change here with the leg-spinner Imran Tahir introduced before the lunch break. Lets see if this wicket offers anything for the tweakers.

1249: FOUR! The new bowler Rory Kleinveldt pitches up and Clarke helps himself to a classical on-drive, beating the man at mid-on for a boundary.

1244: Rippersportspro of NSW says: Is it just me or has Clarke played a Steve Waugh like role, albeit with a higher strike rate in doing so, over the last 12 months? 3 down for not many (insert a number between 30 and 90) and saves Australia's bacon with basically a masterclass in batting when the chips are down. He badly needs another massive score (and at least Warner, et al to chip in with some runs too).

Trent says: A pretty glowing endorsement there and I reckon you're not too far off the mark, Rippersportspro. Both bat with that gritty sense of determination and seem to thrive when the going is tough. Clarke's game has gone to new levels since taking over from Ponting ... I think he's averaging something in the 70s as skipper.

1235: FOUR! Warner gets away with a dicey drive off the back foot that beats the man at backward point. That was in the air for a long way, but the cards are falling Warner's way so far this morning.

1232: So I wonder how the Proteas will cope without Kallis in the attack? Will he be back today? They already came into the Test underdone with no Philander, and now they've lost one of their most reliable wicket takers - he's already grabbed two scalps this morning. You only have to look at the ball he undid Ponting with to realise his influence in their side.

As Brian of Brisbane described it: Wow, that ball from Kallis to Ponting looked like Akram or Imran Khan in their prime... Quality stuff, and I doubt too many people could of played it any better.

1223: TROUBLE FOR SOUTH AFRICA. There's a huge blow for the Proteas here with Jacques Kallis pulling up in his bowling run-up. It looks like a hamstring injury. He leaves the field mid-over for treatment. The injury list continues to grow ominously for the visitors.

1222: FOUR! Clarke clips Kallis off his pads to the vacant fine leg gap for his opening boundary.

1218: Ouch! Steyn pins Clarke with a bouncer at the helmet. That almost took off the Aussie skipper's head.

1217: FOUR! Superb timing from Warner, who simply leans on the back foot to Steyn and punches him through the off-side for another boundary. Terrific shot. AUS 3/72

1214: As Dale Steyn comes back into the attack in place of Morne Morkel, Luke Pollock asks: Hi Trent I was just wondering wat do u think about the likelihood of clarkey getting another hundred this test?

Trent says: If you had of asked me 25 minutes ago Luke, I would have said his chances are very good. Warner and Cowan were making this look easy work. But the three wickets have put the Proteas right on top and the pressure will be on. Clarke is in great touch at the moment and if he can get a start - say to 30 - then I'm tipping him to go on with it.

1213: FIFTY TO WARNER! A clip off the pads for two to Warner brings up a quick-fire 50 to the Aussie opener. It's come off just 69 deliveries. This could prove a crucial dig for his confidence, with plenty of talk during the week that his spot in the side is dicey at the moment. Lets hope he can go on with it.

1205: SIX! Warner hooks a bouncer and it catches the top edge, sailing safely into the construction site at the Adelaide Oval. There's a delay as one of the workers collects the ball from the scaffolding at the vacant stand.

1202: WICKET! (Ponting 4, b Kallis, AUS 3/55) Ponting undone by a beauty! Kallis beats the former skipper with a full out-swinger that squares him up and clips the off stump. Ponting's struggles continue and so does this mini-collapse for Australia.

1159: FOUR! Warner pushes forward to Kallis and edges but soft hands ensures the ball hits turf early and beats the cordon for another boundary.

1155: WICKET! (Quiney 0, c Smith b Morkel, AUS 2/44) There will be no fairytale second time around for Rob Quiney, who is caught playing back on the crease against Morkel and edges to Graeme Smith at first slip. The tide has turned quickly at the Adelaide Oval.

1152: There's some conjecture over the method of Cowan's dismissal. The ball came off the bat after collecting his big toe, ballooning back to Kallis who accepted the catch. According to the rule book, being out caught overrides the LBW.

1147: WICKET! (Cowan 10, LBW Kallis, AUS 1/43) And there is the breakthrough! The veteran Kallis catches Cowan in front with a fullish delivery that cannons into his toe. Billy Bowden raises the finger and that's plumb.

1144: A change in the bowling with Jacques Kallis replacing Steyn. The Aussies will have to be careful they don't become complacent now.

1142: FOUR! Very streaky from Warner this time. He plants the front foot and throws everything at this one, but Morkel can only watch as it catches the edge and sails over the slips cordon for another four. Do you think the big paceman is happy about this? The three well-directed bouncers to finish the over suggest not. Warner now 32 from 34. AUS 0/43

1141: FOUR! Wow, Warner on fire. Morkel overpitches and Warner helps himself to another powerful cover drive. The men at cover and point don't stand a chance at the moment.

1136: FOUR! Crunched! Warner throws his hands at a wideish Steyn delivery and the ball rockets to the cover fence. FOUR! Steyn drops short this time and Warner rocks onto the back foot, punching it through the same gap for consecutive boundaries. AUS 0/34

1131: Oh dear, a frustrated Morne Morkel retrieves one of his own deliveries and has a shy at the stumps at the striker's end, only to hit and watch helplessly as the batsmen scurry through for a single.

1129: FOUR! Steyn overpitches to Cowan and the Tasmanian leans onto the front foot, piercing the gap in front of point for his first boundary of the morning.

1124: FOUR! Strange shot from Warner, a lofted inside-out drive which balloons over the top but falls safely en route to the cover fence. FOUR MORE! Warner goes hard and in far more convincing manner this time, crunching a square drive through the gap at cover-point. The little leftie is making his intentions known early. AUS 0/21

1121: Ryan Bastable emails in from the unenviable position of a work desk: Hoping the updates are coming thick and fast today lads! Hatchy and I are stuck in the office here in Adelaide with no coverage of the game until the last session! We are pinning our hopes on you! No pressure! Hoping Pattinson stings a few of the South Africans up early and picks up a couple of wickets early! Big, big fan of the aggression the lad shows!

Trent says: Sorry to hear that Ryan, hope we can do your day one experience justice. I see Pattinson has had a little bit to say in the media this week ... here's to hoping he delivers in Pattinson v Smith: R2.

1116: FOUR! Warner breaks the shackles with an ambitious drive that carries in the air through the vacant backward-point region. Gee that went like a rocket. AUS 0/9

1112: Morkel comes around the wicket to Warner and has a decent shout for LBW turned town. That looked a little high, and the replay confirms Umpire Bowden's doubts.

1105: Steyn begins with a good over, just the one from it. Morne Morkel takes the ball at the other end with Vernon Philander succumbing to a back complaint. He's known to be a bit of a rocks or diamonds type bowler, Morkel - unpredictable but extremely dangerous on his day. Will he rise to the challenge?

1100: Apologies everyone but we're experiencing some delays with blog updates reflecting on site. Hope to have it fixed shortly. David Warner and Ed Cowan are in the middle, with Dale Steyn taking the new ball.

1053: Interesting to note that at the toss, Michael Clarke mentioned that this Adelaide pitch has a little bit more grass than he is used to seeing. I wonder if that might offer something to South Africa's quicks with the new ball?

1040: Good morning all and welcome to foxsports.com.au's LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of the second Test at Adelaide Oval. Trent Hile joining you from Fox Sports blog HQ where we're anticipating a thrilling second installment of this series between Australia and South Africa.

The news is that Michael Clarke has won the toss and elected to bat on a picture perfect opening morning in Adelaide. The Aussies will field an unchanged line-up, while the Proteas have brought in Imran Tahir, Rory Kleinveldt in the place of the injured Vernon Philander and all-rounder Faf du Plessis for the injured JP Duminy.

Don't forget to join in the action by sending a question or comment to blogs@foxsports.com.au or by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Philander not a green-top bully'

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 21 November 2012 | 14.23

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Wicketless ... Vernon Philander is still looking for his first wicket in Australia. Source: Tertius Pickard / AP

Struggling paceman Vernon Philander isn't a green-top bully despite still seeking his first wicket in Australia, South African captain Graeme Smith says.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Smith backed Philander to find form as the Proteas made two changes for the second Test against Australia starting on Thursday in Adelaide.

Allrounder Faf du Plessis will make his Test debut replacing injured batsman JP Duminy and legspinner Imran Tahir was recalled at the expense of fast bowler Rory Kleinveldt.

Smith defended Philander, who returned unflattering figures of 0-103 in the first Test following a wicketless tour game against Australia A.

The Proteas' skipper laughed off a suggestion that Philander, who took 63 wickets in his initial 10 Tests before arriving in Australia, was a green-top bully.

"We didn't have any green tracks in England and he did pretty well," Smith told reporters on Wednesday.

"I have liked the way he has looked this week ... he has had some really good zip in the nets, the ball has been swinging and moving, and I expect good things from him."

Smith said a downturn in Philander's fortunes after a stunning start to his Test career was "the nature of the sport we play".

"He has had such an incredible run to his Test career, there is bound to be tough games along the way," he said.

"And I think he has certainly got the character to bounce back from that.

"I don't think he bowled really badly in Brisbane. He still created a couple of chances that could have easily gone to hand."

Smith said Pakistan-born spinner Tahir would concern the five left-handed batsmen in Australia's top seven because of his threatening wrong'un.

"Hopefully, there is a lot of rough - not for me - for the Australian left-handers," Smith said.

"He certainly has used rough well in the times that he has played for us and he created a lot of stress for (England batsman Andrew) Strauss and the left-handers in England - the wrong'un turning away is not a bad option."

Du Plessis, a right-handed batsman who also bowls legspin, won a Test cap aged 28.

"The fact that he is making his debut is exciting. It's a wonderful opportunity for Faf," Smith said.

"He has played a role in the one-day formats and the Twenty20 formats and I know he's really excited to get the opportunity to play Test cricket.

"He has been around this group now solidly since England and he has been a part of some special times, so I think he's looking forward to hopefully making a mark on this team."


Join us for our live blog of the Adelaide Test from 10.45am (EDT) Thursday.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

More jockeys to be questioned over bets

More jockeys will be questioned this week in the wake of the Damien Oliver betting scandal. Source: AAP

AT least two more jockeys expect to be questioned this week in the betting investigation that has caused upheaval in Victorian racing.

And as the probe continues, the scandal centred on a $10,000 bet made by Damien Oliver will go back to its source with Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna to conduct a review of Racing Victoria's inquiry into the matter.

The jockeys awaiting interview say Racing Victoria investigators have told them they are required to attend inquiries and have tailored their riding schedules accordingly.

Up to 10 jockeys are believed to be implicated in the betting investigations that this week led to Oliver being banned for 10 months over a $10,000 bet he placed on a rival horse in a race in which he rode.

Oliver admitted his guilt after initially refusing to speak to investigators until a deal was done which effectively allowed him to ride through the Melbourne spring carnival.

The "without prejudice" discussions between Oliver and his lawyers and Racing Victoria led to him making a formal admission last week to his "one-off, spur-of-the-moment" bet on Miss Octopussy at Moonee Valley in October 2010.

The Perna review, announced on Wednesday at the instigation of racing minister Denis Napthine, will examine the handling by Racing Victoria (RV) of the Oliver case.

It was as a result of information received by Perna in August that Oliver's betting was revealed.

In the wake of the Oliver case Napthine questioned RV's failure to stand the jockey down as soon as the allegations against him gained credibility.

That view won the support of RV chief executive Rob Hines on Wednesday.

"From my perspective, I thought it would be a good thing if Oliver didn't ride through the (spring) carnival," Hines said.

But Hines also said he understood why the Investigating Committee appointed by RV to conduct the Oliver inquiry had delayed issuing a stand down order until they had a confession.

"Now I understand all the conversations and discussions the panel had ... I understand the decisions they took," he told Melbourne's RSN radio.

"But from my perspective it's a little disappointing because everything really went pear-shaped."

Hines also confirmed investigations are continuing into the role in the Oliver case of those who accepted his bet and the delivery of the jockey's winnings.

"The investigations around this matter are not concluded," he said.

"No doubt we will be hearing more about all of that."

The Perna review begins next week after the time limit on any possible appeal by Oliver has expired.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger