Duminy scripts a remarkable fightback by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Event:

South Africa in Australia 2008/09

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DateLine: 28th December 2008

 

JP Duminy's rapid development as level-headed cricketer continued as he lead one of the finest rearguard actions of the 20th century. Of the recent matches that comes to one's mind regarding a miraculous fightback it leads to Laxman's 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001 against the same opposition. Though the attack of the present Australian lacked the teeth and menace of the attack of 2001, the mountain of score before him with only the tail to accompany him made his task a lot more difficult. South Africa started the morning 196 behind with only three wickets remaining and wanted a miracle to avoid a large deficit in reply to Australia's 394. It came through Duminy and his bowlers as they controlled an under-manned attack and posted a magnificent 459.

 

With South Africa starting at 7 for 198, the home batsmen were expected to be required early in the morning, but they were not needed until the last few overs before close as Duminy with his cronies chipped away slowly and steadily at the Australian score. Duminy was a key component in South Africa's record-breaking chase in Perth last Sunday and he showed his incredible value again despite playing only his second Test. In the morning session Duminy and Harris combined in a valuable stand of 67 for the eighth wicket that drew the tourists much closer to Australia's total. Another 180 runs association came with the help of Steyn eased past the Australian total and acquired the lead which was unimaginable with the situation that they were in at the start of day's play.

 

Australia were not helped by an injury to Brett Lee's left foot, although the attack leader has been well below his usual standards in this series. After the opening bowlers didn't break through the hosts were desperate to get the second new ball and Ricky Ponting called on Nathan Hauritz, Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey to take them through to 80 overs. Most of their pain came from Duminy, who was joined by the No. 10 Steyn, who gathered an unlikely 76 in a performance that exposed the young attack and rallied South Africa to the point where when they were finally dismissed they owned a 65-run lead.

 

Duminy, looked as nerveless as a veteran such as Graeme Smith or Jacques Kallis while he carefully added to his collection and continued his rapid development. He spent half an hour in the 90s - not that the time mattered - and there was relief when he cut Peter Siddle through gully for four, raised both arms and kissed his helmet badge. His team-mates lined up to cheer as they wondered at the effort that gone into the recovery. At the other end Steyn, who could have retired hurt after being struck on the left hand by Mitchell Johnson, continued to expand on his career-best score. His peak came when he hit Johnson for two straight drives for four and mirrored the shot off Siddle to bring up his half-century.

 

After Duminy got his hundred Steyn started to expand and targeted Hauritz, who he had spent most of the day defending. His memorable innings took 151 balls and included nine fours and the six off Hauritz. By tea the situation was so strong for the visitors and so poor for the hosts that the sloppy display had probably cost Australia a chance at winning the series.

 

There were misfields, penalty runs for hitting an unused helmet, overthrows and catches were missed, including Ponting dropping Steyn on 32. Poor Michael Hussey could not get within two metres of a Steyn shot that went straight up and followed the path of the sun, and Hauritz spilt a simple caught-and-bowled.

 

In a courageous partnership of 180, the third-highest ninth-wicket stand in history, Duminy stayed cool and Steyn battled through the pain of a stinging blow on each hand to frustrate the home side and delight their own. Duminy, 24, continued his amazing start after being a key component in the record-breaking chase in Perth last Sunday.

 

Not only did South Africa add 261 runs on the third day, but they took significant time away from Ponting's team, which needs a victory to level the three-match contest. Ponting is unlikely to be generous with a target following South Africa's pursuit of 414 at the WACA, although he might be left with no option with only six sessions remaining. However, these scenarios rely on Australia's under-pressure order performing strongly.

 

Siddle finished with 4 for 81, taking a day between his third and fourth wickets, while Johnson was used heavily in gaining 2 for 127 in 39 overs. The inexperienced men tried but were ineffective in dealing with a side that is more talented and committed than its hosts.