South Africa v Australia, 2008-09
Wisden's review of South Africa v Australia 1st ODI, 2008-09
Neil Manthorp
15-Apr-2010
At Durban, April 3, 2009 (day/night). Australia won by 141 runs. Toss: Australia. One-day
international debut: B. Laughlin.
The real Mike Hussey finally made an appearance, having been missing for most of the summer
against South Africa. His unbeaten 83 from 79 balls built handily on Haddin's punchy fifty, and it
was typical of Hussey, and the effect he has on an innings when in top form, that Australia suddenly
had a very good score without ever appearing to accelerate, let alone hit top gear. Ntini was the only
bowler to be really clobbered, when Hussey and Hauritz collected 18 from the final over. Having
been dropped from the limited-overs team at the start of the season, Ntini had forced his way back
only to be saddled with the responsibility of bowling at the death, something he had never succeeded
with at any stage of his career. It mattered not: even Smith's half-century could not prevent his team
feeling shamed by their ineptitude in reply, although Johnson and the rest of the attack had a very
good evening. Off-spinner Hauritz finished with four wickets, but admitted afterwards that slow
bowling can often be rewarding when you are facing a struggling team as their target climbs to seven
an over.
Man of the Match: M. E. K. Hussey.