Australia took a pretty big risk today. I don't know why they declared so early tbh. I mean they could've pushed for a lead above 400 and put the game beyond doubt and still had over an hour to bowl at SA. It just did not feel like Ponting and given the consistency of the bowling attack, I think he should've erred on the side of caution and batted for another half hour and sent out Haddin.

Haurtiz just hasn't lived up to his containment role for me. He's bowled decently this 2nd innings but it was SA's interest to lose no more wickets before stumps. And generally speaking, he just does not look the part. And Australia need a good allrounder otherwise they need a proper attacking fourth bowler. Stuart Clark will help on that end though I have felt that Siddle is doing very well in his past 4 innings and not conceding too many. And on Siddle I think there's only more upward potential for him. Very unlucky today not to have Amla but the only person to blame is Ponting's fielding positions. I just don't understand why have 1 slip. In the old days we always at least had two.

I think there's some positives out of this match. Bollinger looks good but needs time to adjust. He should adjust quicker than Siddle though as he's not got that much to learn. He knows his trade and has played 3 times as mcuh first class cricket as Siddle. When Lee and Clark come back, there are going to be some serious selection issues. For me, Siddle and Johnson are the future. Bollinger needs time and we still need a spinner.

M. Clarke actually impressed me today. I do not like him and do not want him to be captain but he did change his game and adjust after tea to make quick runs. Sure the presssure valve was off but its still a good step forward. I should mention too that in the 1st innings he was pretty lucky, giving many chances. I wonder if we looked back at all his centuries, how often has he had good fortune? I think its a fair few times but could be wrong.

We're probably going to lose tomorrow, I reckon. Don't know why but I don't mind. A loss is best for us as it will mean the selectors will get a good kick up the backside and start looking to the future. Jaques is back soon in the first class cricket hopefully and i look forward to seeing how he goes. I'd like Hughes as well. He's 21 and he needs time to develop at the top level. There's been a lot of talk in the past about Australia having a lot of players who could walk right into the Australian test team but that generation is quickly passing. At the end there is no substitute to being blooded in the test arena. Look at AB, Duminy, G. Smith, Sharma, Panesar, Cook internationally. Give 'em time.