TOPIC:

Well done to Marsh (122 no) & Smith (91 no), helping the Aussies to 4/297 at stumps day one. Again the top order failed, 2/24 when Marsh came in, 4/98 when Smith came in.
Marsh should have silenced his knockers for awhile, a century against a world class pace attack of Steyn, Morkel & Philander.
Smith is really impressing me, think it's his 4th century, each, unlike Watson's, have come under pressure with the team needing it.
Hopefully, Marsh, Smith & Haddin can push the score past 400 tonight.
Apparently Doolan is the 11th player tried at number 3 since Ponting retired!
Really looking forward to tonight's play.

Have always wanted Marsh to succeed. So am stoked he got that ton. Definately would have silenced his critics, lets hope he can push this out to a 150 or even a 200.

At first I wasnt a fan of Smith. But the Ashes series had me changing my mind very quickly. Good talent, needed a chance, got it, and now he is making the most of it. Good on him.

I hope Doolan gets some runs in the second innings!!

With you Soprano regarding Doolan getting runs. If he does, then Watson may have to actually earn his spot.
With South Afica's bowling line up I don't what to be too harsh on the 4/98, but it keeps happening.
Interesting to see how South Africa go batting, no Kalis this time, he was as steady as a rock for them.

Couple of ordinary shots in the top 4 last night (Warner and Clarke) a good ball to get Rodgers out and the ball that got doolan got onto him quicker than he thought it would. He looked good upto then and deserves another chance.

As for Marsh and Smith well done to Both. Smith has tightened up his temprament and seems relaxed with his role in the side.

It might have been a good toss to loose as I reckon Lyon will turn it later in the game

Will be good for Watson I think, and if he fails then I guess in the long run it will be good for Australia as we will have a top order batsman ready to replace him in Doolan. Although Watson is handy as a 4th quick bowler, to give the other 3 a bit of a rest if we are under the pump.

Agree with you on the top order failing once again, but I dont think their is much that can be done. Rogers and Warner for mine should be our openers and they have proved that. Doolan has been given a chance at 3, hopefully he takes it. Clarke/Marsh at 3 and 4, obviousy Clarke is an automatic, and now Marsh has more than likely cemented that spot too. But hey atleast the middle order is picking up the slack. I guess we need to just hope that either Top or Middle fire on the day and we can always win matches!!
I think our bowling is a lot better than the last time we played SA. Was not a pretty game to go to in Perth, lets hope we have no Ashes Hangover and come out with the same fire.

9 1st class centuries in over a decade.......mmmmmmm touch wood this 100 from Shaun opens the flood gates some what ....pleased for the guy, but his critics will never be silenced for too long with his first class CV.....

Australia are a real chance if they can make over 400 then bowl last on what appears to be a cow paddock.

397 against the number one side in world cricket, against the best bowling attack in the world, on their home ground....take it any day of the week. That said,Marsh (148) ,Smith (100) ,Johnson & Harris....none of the others really troubled the score board...on the flip side, Leahman may have developed character, dig deep for the team when others fail.
Lets hope the bowlers rattle them....Johnson owes Steyne a few, lets see if Steyne can take what he dishes out.
Clarke's form is a worry since the 2nd test against the Poms. That said, like Smith, I'm becoming a fan of Clarke as a captain.

479 in front, 7 wickets in hand & 2 days to go. Marsh & Doolan should have done enough to keep Watson out, hope they don't drop Rogers after failing twice. Interesting to see when Clarke declares.

mmmmmm Marsh made a beautiful century.....then a 44.....comes out the next day on 44 and gets out on 44......so technically that is a duck isn't? ....then last night makes another duck.....THAT'S why he does peoples head in.....and that's why his average is piss poor and his century conversion is piss poor for a guy who bats in the top 4 and has been around the first class scene for a decade....

fingers crossed Smith stands up again and Haddin continues on his ashes form....I reckon if Australia can get within 50 - 75 of the Saffie score then it's still there for the taking......Warner needs to make a big hundred though....or perhaps Lyon can do a Gillespie and make a double ton!! ....now wouldn't that piss the likes of Dale, Morne and Vern off big time...and big Graeme too!