Australia fight back in third Test

Saturday, 01, Apr 2006 09:54

Australia managed to claw their way back into the third and final Test in Johannesburg today after Makhaya Ntini had ripped though the Australian top order.

South Africa are looking to bounce back from comprehensive defeats in the first two matches of the series and Makhaya Ntini's fiery opening spell certainly demonstrated that they were keen to prevent a whitewash. The paceman registered 5 for 80, his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests.

Ntini accounted for Australia's top five batsman within the first ten overs, with Justin Langer having to retire with concussion after being struck by the first ball of the innings in his 100th match.

Australia were left reeling at 106 for 5 but Mike Hussey, who scored a patient 73, enjoyed valuable partnerships with Shane Warne and Brett Lee to take Australia up to 246 for 7 by the close of play.

Earlier in the day South Africa had managed to set a total of 303, having lost Pollock almost immediately.

Ashwell Prince, 79 not out overnight, added 14 runs to his score before being caught behind off the bowling of Lee for what would have been a richly deserved fourth Test century on a tricky batting wicket.

Some free-flowing batting from South Africa's lower batting order, particularly Nicky Boje who scored a breezy 43 off 44 balls, enabled the home side to post a competitive total.