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Game there for the taking, says Hussey

6th January, 2009
2

Mike Hussey says Australia must be on their game if they are to claim a consolation victory against South Africa in the third Test at the SCG on Wednesday.

Chasing 376 to win, South Africa are 1-62 heading into the final day with Neil McKenzie (25no) and Hashim Amla (30no) to resume their innings.

South Africa are effectively two down with injured skipper Graeme Smith (broken hand) only to bat if the match is on the line.

They have all day to bat on a pitch that has not deteriorated quite as much as feared on the third day.

“There has been a couple of little tricks being played by the pitch at the end and a couple of close appeals, so there’s enough happening for us,” Hussey said.

“We’ve just got to make sure we turn up, give it everything we’ve got.

“It’s great again to be in a position to win a Test match for Australia.

“We keep putting ourselves in that position and you never know, we might just win this one.”

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The weather bureau is forecasting a top of 34 degrees with a chance of a late shower or thunderstorm.

Hussey said the Australians were keen for a victory to snatch back some momentum before the return three-Test series starting at the end of next month in Johannesburg.

“We’ve lost this series but we’ve got basically a back-to-back series against South Africa in South Africa,” he said.

“It was about changing the momentum, getting the momentum back going our way leading into that series in South Africa and I guess that’s what it has been all about, this Test match.

“Hopefully we can finish the job and I guess have a bit of confidence going into the South African tour.

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