Siddle has a huge ticker, pity we didn't get the points .

If Shane Warne were still playing game would of been over yesterday. Top quality wrist spinners have to be the most important positions in test cricket imo.

I'm the opposite. You won't get close over here because our batting is deeper and better and the ball doesn't swing.

We might get close over there because our bowling attack is immeasurably better last time and is well suited to swinging conditions.

Most interested to see how little Warner goes over in Engl. Could possibly end up being one of the greatest flat track bullies in crickets history. Still pretty exciting to watch though.

What a great nights cricket viewing.

England dont just rely on swing, they can swing but we have plenty of tall pacy seamers and a few decent spinners. Not so sure the batting isn't close.

Good to see were starting early

If Australia get Pattinson back they will have a decent pace attack but if I was an Aussie fan I'd worry about their batting. The top order looks fragile and they can't rely on Clarke and Hussey to get them out of trouble every time. Hussey is getting quite old anyway. He's still good but he must be nearing the end.

Yes, I was refering to the depth. A few minor injuries and Aus look in big trouble, England could easily field two decent pace attacks, plus we have a great spinner and a spare.

Brilliant knock by Faf!

SA are sending Ryan Mclaren as a replacement for Kallis if he isn't fit. Surely there's a better all-rounder?

SA have the momentum going in to the Perth test. It's going to be a cracker!

Next Big Star

lol Richard Keys still works in tv?

There's a documentary on Freddie's journey or whatever in this boxing thing on Sky. I've watched the first episode and it was pretty good imo.

So basically Barry was saying, in the nicest way possible, that Feddie sucks. :s

I missed the first 2 repeats of this (episode 1). Its on again tonight at 9pm

Faf's blog after the test

http://www.supersport.com/cricket/bl...y_in_my_career

Ponting retiring after perth

Legend

I remember when he walked out to bat for his final test in England at the Oval and got a standing ovation. There was a comment on TMS along the lines of "the English crowd has warmed to Punter. It has taken them a decade, mind."

His retirement cannot be allowed to pass without the following:

lol after the past 2 years of of the Aus test side gaining back some respect from the international community we are returning to two of the key pieces that put us in that position in the first place. That's right, Mitch Johnson will be back for tomorrows test and Phil Hughes is one of the frontrunners for Ponting's spot (and given he is the only contender currently playing for NSW the spot is pretty much his).

In fairness to Johnson his form in Perth makes him one the best fast bowlers in the world. He is just rubbish everywhere else for some reason.

Expect the South Africans to win this one. Morkel will go to town on the bounciest pitch in world cricket. I think our changes will be in: Starc, Johnson, Watson out: Quiney, Pattinson and Siddle or Hilfenhouse I think. The issue is that Starc and Johnson occasionally bowl the unplayable but more often are all over the place. I gues that the bowling selection will also depend a lot on whether Watson is up for bowling.

GG Ponting best Australian bat since Greg Chappel

Really looking forward to Oz V SA. I fancy Johnson and Stac to bowl well and really can't call this one.

Phil Hughes playing for SA atm...

Going to days 1 and 2 should be awesome

It was a nice touch to see the convicts give Punter a standing ovation as he came out to bat in the third test.

Sadly it wasn't Ponting coming out, but night watchman Nathan Lyon.

Steyn spitting fire now, quality bowling!

Thoughts on DRS decision against Warner?

Another enthralling match. Who is this Wade?

Cant see how DRS could overturn Warner, not enough evidence of a mistake.

Wow, what I day for SA. One moment their no 1 position looked very vulnerable, now it's virtually series over (unless Clarke gets anther double of course).

Also, Freddie Flintoff V Jessie Ryder. It's got to happen!

carnage...