Cricket News sort by South Africa tour of Australia 2012-13

South Africa’s 1-0 win over Australia in the latter’s den asserted that they deserve the number one ranking in Tests. At the same time, it wasn’t an easy win for the Proteas.

South Africa wrapped up a massive 309-run win in the deciding Perth Test after taking a little over an hour in the final session on Day 4 to bowl out the Aussies. An annoying 10th wicket stand of 87 runs between Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon managed to delay the inevitable South African victory.

South Africa have left Australia with a Himalayan Target of 632 runs to win the Perth Test with two full days in hand. The hosts had so far batted through for 13 overs to survive at 40 for no loss with David Warner looking good on 29*.

A stunning second wicket stand between Skipper Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla has more or less taken the Perth Test match away from the Aussies. The experienced duo demoralized the new look Australia completely to take the visitors to an overall lead of 292 with still 8 wickets in hand.

South Africa fought back after getting bowled out for a modest total by putting Australia on the backfoot taking two early wickets. At Stumps on a bowler dominated first day’s play at Perth, Australia are 33 for 2 in reply to South Africa’s 225.

Australia has omitted fast bowlers Peter Siddle and Ben Hifenhaus for the Series Decider Test Match at Perth. Both the bowlers had heavy workload in the absence of the injured Pattinson during the drawn second Test at Adelaide and hence rested.

Former Australian Captain Ricky Ponting today has announced his retirement from International Cricket. Ponting will play his last international match at Perth in what would be the Third and Final Test between Australia and South Africa.

Australia dominated the Adelaide Test for a major portion of the game, but South Africa batted credibly well on the last day to help the visitors escape with a draw.

South Africa pulled off a miraculous draw in the Second Test at the Adelaide Oval by batting out the entire final day’s play. The Proteas forced a draw with Australia tantalizingly falling short of a victory by two wickets.