5th day, 3rd test!

[iceman]

Exciting finish! 100 runs to go off 230 balls (or so)..

Go the aussies!

Ponting and Hayden are smashing it!

Well done to the Sth Africans for declaring at a gettable total.

[rumples riot]

Yeah Suckers, will be another likely victory. Still 100 runs is a lot to get. Nice to see a bit of sportmanship being introduced.

[h0ughy]

anything is possible? and as I say that australia is 1 for 201 with a great boundary

[lost_in_space]

Well done Ricky, a century in each innings in his 100th test.:prey2:

[matt]

Australia will win but well done to South Africa for setting a realistic challenge.

Something that was missing from the 1st Test, which Ponting would do well to remember as he celebrates double tons and Australia's victory.

[rumples riot]

Oh, Matt you can't blame pointing for his late declaration in the first test. Hodge getting a double would surely have been a good excuse for not declaring. I saw Border, Tailor and Waugh do the same for many test batsman over the years. Sometimes gettting the tons is more important than winning. Now Hodge will do anything to keep Ponting happy. That might mean the difference in a Test we need to win.

As for Ponting, he now has his place in history. First ever to get tons in his 100th test. Now has 28 tons and only about 5 away from the top. Not bad for someone who did not look like ever being captain with his early off field moments. Will he be as good a captain as Tubby or Waugh; only time will tell?

[matt]

Paul

No doubt about it Ponting's achievement with double tons in his 100th test is a significant achievement.

But I'm giving south africa some credit here for setting a bold and achievable target.

And I'm a great believer that personal milestones don't come before the overall success of the team and the result of a match. If they can be accommodated, then fine, but not at the expense of a result and there is no doubt that that's exactly what happened in the 1st test. There's no way you can argue with that, although you probably will:lol:

[matt]

By the way, let me add that I'm a huge Ponting fan. As a player.

But yes, I feel the decision to keep batting in the 1st Test was a bad one, even if it meant allowing Hodge a double ton.

Is 100 .... 150 ... not enough???????:confuse3:

It's my opinion:)

[davidpretorius]

he's a legend, he is a tasmanian!

the guy is perfect!

[matt]

Even with a black eye after making a **** of himself in the Bourbon and Beefsteak and copping one in the tasmanian face!:lol: :lol:

A long time ago, I know. But we sportsfans have long memories and enjoy a laugh.

Hey Davo, do you reckon he was really misbehaving himself when he got walloped or did he just tell 'em where he's from?

[Dave47tuc]

That was a great game of cricket.

Well done RSA and Smith for great match.

I have watched plenty of cricket and played a little (not very good :P )

But I thought Ponting batted as good as i have seen anyone bat. :prey2:

Bring on the hit a giggle :lol: my kids love it. and my son will be happy Clarke will be back. :)

[Striker]

Great match.....Loved watching it whilst up in Townsville and Cairns....even listened to it on the plane on my way home this afternoon.

Go the Auzzies.

Will be an interesting series over in SA.

[matt]

Spot on dave

I had the pleasure of being at the MCG for Boxing Day for another Ponting 100. What a day!

It was so exciting we went back for Day 3 to watch the Aussies bowl. Brett Lee was fantastic.

This test match was a reminder there's life in the 5-day game yet, if it's played in the right spirit between two good sides. South Africa's not quite at Australia's standard, but not far off either.

Oh, and tell your son, some of us "older" blokes are also looking forward to seeing "Pup" back at the crease!:)

[Greg Bryant]

I was at the SCG on Day 1. Unfortunate that play was delayed until 1pm that day, considering I was there at 8am. Looking forward to this time next year when England are here.

It's been a "Friday festival" of cricket today. The Test, a one-dayer between NZ and Sri Lanka, and tonight there are two Twenty20 games on (www.cricket.com.au has live scores).

[matt]

G'day Greg

How stoked am I that England will be kicking off its Oz tour here in Canberra with the PM's 11 at Manuka Oval!!!!!:drink: :lol:

[danielsun]

Yes a great last day of cricket!!! Go Ponting!!!! Good that Smith made the game interesting but i suppose he had to to give RSA any chance of a victory even though it was a long shot!