Take nothing for granted, that’s the thought I have above all others at the end of the fourth day of the first Test.
My hope was to see some resistance from an Australian batting line-up that has shown an ability to collapse under pressure in recent times. To just hold out against the number one side in the world would have been a commendable effort and given the team some confidence going into the next Test match.
After the efforts of Michael Clarke (219 n.o.), Ed Cowan (136) and Michael Hussey (86 n.o.), I would expect confidence now to be running at an all-time high.
Australia will start the final day’s play tomorrow at 4/487. That’s a lead 37 runs with six wickets still in hand, a position I don’t think anyone would have predicted them to be in, not even the most optimistic supporter.
The Australian batsmen simply dominated their much-lauded opponents.
No South African bowler took a wicket all day, the only breakthrough coming in the most unlucky of circumstances when a deflection from Dale Steyn from a firmly hit Clarke drive found Ed Cowan just out of his crease at the non-strikers end.
I suspect the skipper will be buying his opener a couple of brews tonight but, having shared in a 259 run stand with Clarke, Cowan should not feel too aggrieved.
Michael Hussey then combined with Clarke to put on 188 in quick time and take him within sight of another Test century.
It should not be underestimated how well Cowan played, not only in the context of this game but also in his career.
His first Test century was undoubtedly his best innings, the one all Australian fans have hoped for since he first strolled out to the middle to represent his country.
It was the manner in which he scored them, however, that not only had me surprised but also excited about where he and his teammates can go from here.
Cowan showed his usual patient temperament in leaving what he didn’t want to play, but unleashed an aggression he has not shown before when wearing the baggy green, punishing anything short mercilessly and making the world’s best bowling attack look decidedly second rate.
It was an innings that announced his arrival as a Test opener and dispeled any doubts about his ability at this level.
And then, of course, there is Michael Clarke.
His play all around the wicket was second to none, the ease with which he played a delight to watch. The standing ovation he received as he walked off was well deserved.
A stunning 2012 continues for the Aussie skipper, his third double century confirming not only his ability, but the positive effect the captaincy has had on his game.
Clarke has flourished since taking control of the Test side, his results simply brilliant as a batsman and leader, and is surely now one of the most important players in world cricket.
So what now for South Africa?
Their reputation as a complete side preceded them, their performance with the bat in the first innings an ominous prelude to what is supposedly their greatest strength, the bowling attack.
Dale Steyn (1/109), Morne Morkel (2/109) and Vernon Philander (0/82), however, did not live up to the billing, looking tired and bereft of ideas at times. The entire attack was sloppy – the eight bowlers used bowled 22 no balls in a total of 34 extras, and seemed incapable of building any pressure on the batsmen.
It is only one day’s play however, and if I have learnt nothing else in this Test match, it is not to write anyone off.
South Africa are too good a team to let this derail their tour but, in a game where mentality and momentum mean so much, perhaps they will have a few more collective doubts than they did this morning.
One thing is for sure, they will need to fire up on the last day for the good of their own confidence and to put a dent in Australia’s.
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