Australia will be looking for a happy ending to a miserable year by their standards in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa that starts on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
After Ponting's men managed to win their series at home against India, they were drubbed 2-0 in India and now, they are 1-0 down against another worthy adversory who are threatening to take Australia's numero uno position.
Australia have to win if they have to keep their terrific home record against South Africa in tact. However, a defeat in Melbourne would mean a series loss and more questions raised on Australia's domination.
Graeme smith's men are on a high after their incredible victory in Perth when they successfully chased down 414 in the final innings to take a 1-0 series lead. It was the second highest run-chase in the history of Test cricket and not surprisingly South Africa have named an unchanged eleven for the second Test at the MCG.
Australia, on the other hand, have included spinner Nathan Hauritz in their eleven in place of Jason Krejza.
Ponting has conceded that 2008 has been the hardest year of his career and another defeat would mean not just a series defeat but also raise serious question marks over the future of several players including opener Matthew Hayden who has been in very poor form in recent times.
No comments:
Post a Comment