(This entry was originally published on Sunday, January 4th, 2009)
At the end of the second day, South Africa still seems to be a bit ahead of Australia in the match. Starting with previous days score of 267 for 6, Australia added 178 more runs today to take their first innings total to 445 losing all the wickets. However, South African batsmen also hit back strongly finishing the day on 125 for 1. However, the bad news for South African cricket fans is the injury of Captain Graeme Smith who was retired hurt as he fractured his left hand after reaching 30. South Africa is still trialing by 320 runs with 9 wickets at hand in the first innings.
Michael Clarke’s excellent knock of 138 was instrumental behind the huge total of host team in the first innings. Clarke completed his 10th test hundred on his way to share a 142-run stand with Mitchell Johnson for the 7th wicket. Johnson’s 64-run innings also helped Australia to put on a big total on the board. Dale Steyn and Paul Harris picked up three wickets each. In reply, South Africa started pretty well as two openers started playing shots off Australian pacers, but the visitors received a blow when Captain Graeme Smith had to leave the ground while on 30 not out, leaving South Africa 35 for 0. Hamish Amla then joined Neil McKenzie in the wicket, but Peter Siddle dismissed McKenzie for 23, forcing him in LBW trap. Hamish Amla and Jacques Kallis finished the day without any further damage as Amla is batting on 30 and Kallis is not out on 36.
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