The Hindu : Sport : Ponting has a fight on hand

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Friday, Dec 26, 2008
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Ponting has a fight on hand

MELBOURNE: Both Australia and South Africa are seeking a New Year gift. A victory in the second Test of the three-Test series would keep Australia afloat to plan a grand finale while South Africa would savour a victory more for, it would be the country’s first away Test series win over Australia.

Whichever way one looks at it, this Boxing Day Test should be a humdinger all the way. All the more so after the sensational happening in Perth when South Africa chased Test history’s second highest target of 414 to clinch victory.

What more can a cricket fan expect at Melbourne where the pitch is notable for providing some help to the speed merchants and spinners at a later stage? There should be some early seam movement, a bit of swing and perhaps a little turn as the match progresses.

The onus will be on Ricky Ponting and it should be a huge demand. He needs to get the best of his moderate attack to check the solid South Africa batting even as he has to inspire his batsmen to come up with something special.

The MCG pitch is Matthew Hayden’s lucky ground, so maybe he could bring a turnaround to his form and the team’s fortunes.

South Africa’s worry is basically skipper Graeme Smith’s fitness. While South Africa has decided to retain the winning combination, Australia plans to bring in off-spinner Nathan Hauritz for Jason Krejza.

The teams: (from):

Australia: Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (capt.), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Brad Haddin (wk), Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Bern Hilfenhaus, Shane Watson.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt.), Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, A.B. de Villiers, J.P. Duminy, Mark Boucher (wk), Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Robin Peterson, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Monde Zondeki.

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