Australia and South Africa go into the third Test match of their series at the WACA in Perth with the number one ranking at stake for the two sides.
We’ll bring you the live scores and commentary of the action throughout the second Test match, with the day starting at 1:30 pm AEDT (10:30am local) on November 30.
Ricky Ponting’s decision to retire from international cricket after a string of poor scores surprised his captain Michael Clarke, who will now hope that it brings a new level of fire from his side which looks depleted in bowling stocks.
Ponting’s every movement with the bat will be closely watched as Australia hope that he can go out on a high in a stellar career.
He’ll be hoping to end with a big score – is a century possible on what is expected to be a bouncy WACA pitch?
The forecast is for cooler conditions over the first days, heating up dramatically as the Test continues.
Ponting’s retirement aside, it will be interesting to see how Australia adapt to the changes in personnel, brought about by the exciting but exhausting Adelaide game.
Already Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus have been ruled out of the Test match, having failed to recover from their long spells in the previous game.
Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings are in the squad, and two of those names should make it to the starting XI.
Shane Watson comes back into the side for Australia in place of Rob Quiney, with the management hoping that he will be able to share bowling responsibilities with the newly-annointed bowling line-up – and add more runs.
South Africa will have changes of their own. Imran Tahir’s shocking return in the Adelaide Test will call for drastic measures and Robin Peterson might be brought in to buffer up the spin bowling department.
A decision on Jacques Kallis will be taken before the start of the game, with the management hoping that the all-rounder can get fit enough to at least bat. If he fails to attain full fitness, Ryan McLaren could get a call-up.
We will bring you the coverage throughout the game from the WACA in Perth and hope to receive your opinions as the action unfolds.
Keep updated by reviewing the comments below.
Johnno
Guest
the 1st hour is going to be very exciting, Nathan Lyon's batting surprised me , if he can take some more shine of the new ball it will help the aussies.
Geno
Guest
The last two tests Ben has lacked penetration and has clearly struggled and with better options available he should have been sacked after the first test. He clearly isn't bowling as well as he was earlier on in the year. If the selectors had any sense the would have sacked him for the Adelaide Test and brought him back for the Perth test where his swing bowling would have had more of an impact as we saw against the Indians last year.
Jimmithecricket
Guest
That pitch is not as bad as you may think. Just takes a little more dedication getting in. I'd say par first innings was 350. We should look to score about 400 to 450 i reacon. We bat deeper with the bowling changes as well. Backing Ricky to get a fifty a least. Wade and Hastings as well, let pup have a day off. We only lose Lyon by lunch I reacon paddy power will pay out on us.
Geno
Guest
Cowan is not test standard it's that simple let's play the batsman who can win us the ashes! Warner Khawaja Hughes Watson Clarke Hussey Paine Pattinson Cummins Starc Lyon
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
The last ball of the day is driven by Lyon to the left of mid-off for a couple of runs, keeping Ponting safe in the sheds for tonight. Australia have ended the first day at 2/33 in 11 overs after South Africa were bowled out for 225. du Plessis' 78 not-out, Lyon's three wickets and some excellent spells from the quick bowlers was the highlight of a very rivetting day of Test cricket. Signing off for now but will be back again tomorrow for the second day's play of this Grand Final.
ak
Roar Guru
End of day's play.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Steyn has roared in this six-over spell - this is his sixth in progress - and Lyon is enduring a spell to remember. Can he hang on to it...just a couple of balls now.
Red Kev
Guest
There it is, Lyon does his job, Ponting safe until tomorrow. But worryingly for Australia, Steyn has looked really good tonight.
Johnno
Guest
How did that miss the edge wow.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Ouch, couple of them banged in short and Warner jumps to try and evade 'em, instead is hit on different places. The third one is a bouncer but this time he sways away from its line.
Johnno
Guest
2 wickets and it's even, get Warner tonight it's been STH Africa's day.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Morne Morkel comes on now. He will get only one over today.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Excellent stuff from Steyn and equally well played from Lyon. Six rivetting balls of Test cricket. Two more overs to go. 2/31
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
10 minutes, which could allow three overs.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Nathan Lyon has looked poised in the time he has been at the crease, even pushing Vernon down the ground for three. And Dale Steyn continues...which means that Morne Morkel is still to bowl this evening. 2/31
eagleJack
Guest
How many overs left? This is intense
Johnno
Guest
What a nasty bouncer. Great delivery.
Johnno
Guest
If STH Africa get 1 more wicket tonight and especially if it's Warner then I'd say they are in the box seat. If no more wickets or Lyon honours even,. 1ST hour tomorrow, going to be very crucial too. Lyon reminds me of Jason Gillespie , he is very calm and has a very good defence.
Oracle
Guest
Tarzan had a bat in his hand, didnt use it, and missed it by a mile. Looked gone first go.
Neuen
Roar Rookie
Australia avoided the follow on which was 26 haha