Last Laugh For The Moment

At last, Australia managed to have the last laugh in the one day series against South Africa not only owing to the fact that Australia convincingly beat the hosts, but also they could make it to their second home ie the number 2 spot in the latest ICC one day rankings, overtaking India who were until then were enjoying the benefits of Australia's loss and their win against and in New Zealand. For a change, South Africa played an Austalia at Johonnesburg by getting into a great start but later on succumbing to the pressure created by the Aussie bowlers. This was something that the Australian players were found doing in the last three matches. But, this time it was the opposite i.e Australia.

As usual, this time also the team batting first not only held the upper hand but also emerged victorious. This is the fate of international cricket which is never bound to change whatsoever atleast for the time being. The slog over advantage that the team batting first would be having in the last ten overs always plays a spoilsport for the team batting second. The team batting second would not be enjoying this privilege. And this match was no different whatsoever. And neither did it really seem so if the atmosphere at Johannesburg is taken into consideration on that particular day.

It was fantastic to see A B DeVilliars- the man of the series stand stiff against the Aussie bowlers despite the fall of Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel at the other end. After A B DeVilliars' score of 38, no other South Afican player ever crossed the double digit mark until Morne Morkel broke the jinx by scoring a consolation 15 runs with the help of two hits to the fence. But that couldn't stop Australia from winning the game and with it the second spot in the ICC one day rankings. And South Africa had nothing absolutely to lose if not for that match in particular. For, they were the number 1 team at present and also had clinched the series after they beat Australia in the fourth one day match by 61 runs.

But, was that loss due to some or a more of negligience on the part of the South African players for, as said earlier, they were topping the world rankings in one dayers and also they had won the series convincingly. But, that doesesn't seem so if their earlier series against Australia is taken into consideration. Despite winning the series in the fourth one day match, South Africa went on to win the fifth one as well and that too with hosts being Australia. Whatever, the joy of South Africa winning the title would be limited only to a day, for players like Kallis and many others would be back to their duty to play in the IPL the very next day itself.

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