THURSDAY, 2.40PM:
IT took 163 minutes for South Africa to dismiss Australia for 133 in 38 overs in their opening World Series limited overs cricket match at the SCG on Thursday. After being bowled out at 200 in exactly 50 overs, it looked as if the South Africans were goners, but veteran offspinner Pat Symcox claimed a career best 4/28 and inspired South Africa to a stunning 67-run victory.
Symcox, 37, also had to contend with missile throwing spectators while fielding on the boundary. “I don’t mind the barracking,” said Symcox. “but when they start throwing stuff at you that’s different.” The play was delayed for six minutes while security officials restored order. Symcox, who was voted man-of-the-match, had the last laugh.
Daryll Cullinan claimed 2/31 from 8 overs and in a rather ironic twist Shane Warne (17) was in the victims’ list. Allan Donald dismissed Blewett (15) and Symcox did a twin-job on Mark and Steve Waugh in the space of six deliveries. Simmo — as Symcox is affectionately known — and Cullinan saw off Bevan, Gilchrist and Harvey and the innings was in total disarray.
THURSDAY, 11.00AM:
SOUTH Africa were bundled out for 200 in exactly 50 overs by Australia’s revamped “specialist XI” at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday morning.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. Opening bat Jacques Kallis was never comfortable and he managed only eight runs before he was mercifully KO’d by Glen McGrath.
Kallis’s partner Gary Kirsten topped the boards with 44. Kirsten, who hit three fours, never looked confident. Darryl Cullinan hit 33 (3x4s) off only 59 balls. Shane Warne dismissed Hansie Cronje, Brian McMillan for 19, and Dave Richardson leg before for a duck, to finish with 3/46 from 8 overs.
Australia’s other new boy Ian Harvey bowled Jonty Rhodes with his first delivery and also had a hand in Shaun Pollock’s cruel dismissal. The talented SA all-rounder was backing up at the bowler’s end when a straight drive from Cronje deflected off Harvey’s hand and on to the stumps.
South Africa — rated as the top one-day outfit in the world — were made to look decidedly average. With the score at 160/9, they were in danger of not seeing out their 50 overs. Pat Symcox and Alan Donald contributed with a 10th wicket partnership of 40. Symcox hit 2x4s in his unbeaten 27, while Donald managed 11.