2.25pm The South Africa team stride out, as do the Australian openers. Brad Haddin will take the strike. Dale Steyn will start things off for South Africa from the Northern End.

Pitch report Neil Johnson, who's presenting his pitch report for SABC, says the surface is nice, dry and rock hard and that it should be great for batting. He says there may be a little for the bowlers with the new ball, but that batsmen will make merry once they get used to the bounce in the surface.

2.15pm The two teams line up for the national anthems. 'Advance Australia Fair' is sung first, followed by 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika'.

2.10pm Australia have retained the No. 1 spot in Tests after a titanic battle with South Africa over the past four months, and will be itching to reclaim the top ranking in the one-dayers as well. Only one point separates the two sides, and whoever wins the series will get the No. 1 spot.

The South Africa leg of the series has been eerily similar to the one in Australia so far. The visitors won the first two Tests before the home side won the dead rubber, and the tourists have lost both Twenty20s as well. If that trend continue, Australia should walk away with today's game - South Africa had won the first one-dayer in Melbourne.

2.00pm Hello and welcome to Cricinfo's coverage of the first ODI between South Africa and Australia in Durban. Graeme Smith is back as the home side's captain, and will be playing in only his second one-day in more than seven months.

Toss: Smith tosses the coin, Ricky Ponting calls' heads' and heads it is, Australia elect to bat.

Smith says he'd have wanted to bat first but "we're not too fussed at losing the toss".

Team news: Ben Laughlin gets to make his ODI debut. Australia have also gone in with a specialist spinner in Nathan Hauritz.

Australia: 1 Michael Clarke, 2 Brad Haddin (wk), 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Hussey, 5 David Hussey, 6 Callum Ferguson, 7 James Hopes, 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Nathan Hauritz, 10 Nathan Bracken, 11 Ben Laughlin.

South Africa 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Herschelle Gibbs, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Mark Boucher (wk), 7 Albie Morkel, 8 Morne Morkel, 9 Johan Botha, 10 Dale Steyn, 11 Makhaya Ntini.

0.1

Steyn to Haddin, no run, After a false start, Steyn's on target straight away, on a length on middle and leg, Haddin gets behind the line and defends back to the bowler

It's quite overcast in Durban

0.2

Steyn to Haddin, no run, similar length, but more on offstump this time, hint of movement away from the right-hander, pushed towards extra cover

0.3

Steyn to Haddin, no run, pronounced movement away from Haddin this time, but it started from too far outside off to bother Haddin

0.4

Steyn to Haddin, 1 run, a bit of an outside edge this time, squirts away behind square and Australia area way

0.5

Steyn to Clarke, no run, seam bolt upright from Steyn, around offstump, Clarke blocks it back to the bowler

0.6

Steyn to Clarke, 1 run, fuller and sliding onto the pads, Clarke gets off the mark by nudging that towards midwicket

Two slips in place as Makhaya Ntini charges in

1.1

Ntini to Clarke, no run, on middle and leg, tapped towards mid-on for a single

1.2

Ntini to Clarke, no run, very wide outside off, the batsman isn't interested in that one, allows it through to the keeper

1.3

Ntini to Clarke, OUT, Clarke's gone, Ntini bowling from wide of the crease slants the ball in towards the batsman, there gets it to straighten, and has Clarke lunging at the ball, a thick outside edge flies at a very catchable height, straight to JP Duminy at second slip

MJ Clarke c Duminy b Ntini 1 (5m 5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 20.00

Ricky Ponting walks out a lot earlier than he would have wanted

1.4

Ntini to Ponting, no run, not a very convincing start from Ponting, it wasn't too short from Ntini, Ponting was looking to leave that but it strikes him high on the back pad

1.5

Ntini to Ponting, no run, this time Ponting looked more assured, taps a waist high delivery towards midwicket

1.6

Ntini to Ponting, no run, back of a length, pitching just outside off, Ponting gets a huge stride in and defends it back to the bowler

That's a wicket maiden from Ntini, can't be many better ways to start off

2.1

Steyn to Haddin, no run

2.2

Steyn to Haddin, 1 run, Haddin is opened out by Steyn, a length ball around off, Haddin was looking to play it straight, the edge flies down to third man

2.3

Steyn to Ponting, no run, wide outside off, Ponting shoulders arms in typical fashion, getting on the front foot and getting the bat high over his head

2.4

Steyn to Ponting, no run, much closer to the stumps, Ponting has to play at this one, he blocks it back to he bowler

2.5

Steyn to Ponting, 3 runs, worked away square off the hips by Ponting, lovely timing on that one, Hashim Amla had to chase a long way to cut that off just inside the boundary

2.6

Steyn to Haddin, no run, just outside off, in what Damien Fleming likes to call the "avenue of apprehension", left alone by Haddin

3.1

Ntini to Ponting, no run, nice stride in from Ponting as he pushes it towards mid-off

3.2

Ntini to Ponting, no run, Ponting was again looking to get a long forward, to a back of a length ball on middle and off, bounced a bit higher than he expected and he had to adjust at the last moment to keep the ball down as he defended towards the bowler

3.3

Ntini to Ponting, no run, a touch shorter from Ntini, Ponting goes right back as he block this one

3.4

Ntini to Ponting, no run, slanting into offstump, Ponting looked to thrash that towards mid-on, mistime it and the ball trickles towards the fielder

3.5

Ntini to Ponting, 1 run, a bit of width for Ponting to work with, jabs it down to third man for a single

3.6

Ntini to Haddin, no run, cuts back in sharply after pitching on a length just outside off, Haddin lets that sail through over the stumps, but I wonder whether he was expecting it to jag back as much as it did

Great start from South Africa's new-ball bowlers

4.1

Steyn to Ponting, no run, overpitched, and on target again from Steyn, Ponting gets on the front foot and pats it back to the bowler

a bit of a delay as the electronic hoarding behind the bowler was flashing a bright yellow, Boucher complains about it to the umpire, and it advertisement is turned off

4.2

Steyn to Ponting, no run, pushed firmly towards mid-off by Ponting, Steyn keeping it very tight here

4.3

Steyn to Ponting, no run, slightly overpitched, again close to the offstump, Ponting drives to the right of mid-off, Smith has to put in a slide to cut it off at the edge of the circle

4.4

Steyn to Ponting, 2 runs, slanting onto the pads, Ponting won't miss out on those, worked just behind square for a couple

4.5

Steyn to Ponting, no run, back of a length, Ponting goes for an extravagant cut, but misses the ball, it wasn't short enough for that stroke

4.6

Steyn to Ponting, no run, Steyn completes the delivery with one that is slanting towards middle and leg, Ponting turns it towards mid-on

5.1

Ntini to Haddin, no run, short ball, wonderfull line, just outside off, Haddin showing signs of frustration here by sashaying down the track to try heave it past point, doesn't make contact with the ball, a stifled appeal for caught behind

5.2

Ntini to Haddin, no run, keeping it around off, and it's nudged towards cover

5.3

Ntini to Haddin, FOUR, length ball, on off, Haddin backs away from the stumps and flat bats it down the ground for four

5.4

Ntini to Haddin, 1 run, short of a good length, dabbed into covers for a very quick single

5.5

Ntini to Ponting, no run, a bit of room for Ponting, he flails at it, bottom hands come as he plays the shot, the placement is poor and it doesn't beat de Villiers at point

5.6

Ntini to Ponting, no run, slanting towards the pads, tucked towards square leg, no run again

6.1

Steyn to Haddin, 1 run, Steyn pitches this on middle and leg, Haddin inside edges it onto his pad, and the ball trickles away towards square leg

6.2

Steyn to Ponting, no run, length ball on off, extra bounce for Steyn, catches Ponting by surprise, he checks his shot and it balloons towards mid-off, lands well short of the fielder though

6.3

Steyn to Ponting, FOUR, full on legstump, Steyn may be trying to straighten after from, this one doesn't and it's easy pickings for Ponting, punched to the wide long-on boundary

6.4

Steyn to Ponting, 1 run, driven firmly to mid-off, Smith is on the edge of the circle, enough time to get a single

6.5

Steyn to Haddin, no run, nice, tight line, Haddin gets on the backfoot and punches it to mid-off

6.6

Steyn to Haddin, no run, goes for a powerful pull, doesn't quite get hold of it, and it goes to the fielder at square-leg

7.1

Ntini to Ponting, no run, on offstump from Ntini, Ponting lunges forward and drives towards mid-off, no run this time

7.2

Ntini to Ponting, no run, pushed towards mid-on by Pointing, no run

7.3

Ntini to Ponting, FOUR, length ball but wide, Ponting flashes hard at it, the thick edge is enough to send the ball sailing high over the slips for a boundary

7.4

Ntini to Ponting, FOUR, no luck involved in that boundary, slightly fuller than the previous one, Ponting hammers that through the covers for four

7.5

Ntini to Ponting, 1 run, pushed to mid-off, batsmen pinch a quick single, Smith was the fielder, he wasn't particularly quick off the mark, it would still have been a close call had there been a direct hit

7.6

Ntini to Haddin, 1 run, short delivery, leg-stump line from Ntini, doesn't beat the fielder at square leg

Morne Morkel into the attack

8.1

M Morkel to Haddin, no run, starts with a length ball just outside off, Haddin forces it towards mid-off, no run

8.2

M Morkel to Haddin, no run, short of a length, Haddin rocks back and looks to mow it towards midwicket, mishit and it flies towards mid-off

8.3

M Morkel to Haddin, no run, this time played a lot more conventionally toward mid-off, the batsmen think of a single but don't go for it

8.4

M Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, fuller on middle and leg, Haddin flicks it off his pads behind square for a single

8.5

M Morkel to Ponting, 1 run, similar length from Morkel, Ponting gets on the front foot and punches it towards mid-off, just wide enough of Smith to allow time for a single

8.6

M Morkel to Haddin, no run, Haddin's not having the most pleasant of times here, this time he's late on the shot and is struck on the thigh pad

9.1

Ntini to Ponting, FOUR, back of a length, on offstump, Ponting hits that through the line of the ball, back over the bowler's head and that's flies away for a boundary

9.2

Ntini to Ponting, 1 run, fuller from Ntini, Ponting hits it so straight that it hits the stumps at the non-striker's end,batsmen take a single off the richochet

9.3

Ntini to Haddin, FOUR, Ntini reverts to a back of a length, Haddin backs away from the stumps to get some room, and clobbers that between cover and pint

9.4

Ntini to Haddin, no run, full and well outside off, Haddin manages to squeeze it away but only as far as de Villiers at backward point

9.5

Ntini to Haddin, no run, low full toss from Ntini, Haddin responds with a full-blooded drive down the ground, Ntini dives during his follow-through to cut the ball off

9.6

Ntini to Haddin, no run, wonderful ball to end the over, yorker on middle and off, Haddin manages to dig it out

Powerplay2 has been taken by South Africa

10.1

M Morkel to Ponting, 1 run, Morkel digs it in short, Haddin gets on his toes and plays it towards backward point

10.2

M Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, length ball on middle and leg, driven firmly to mid-on, batsmen sprint through for a single

10.3

M Morkel to Ponting, no run, played with soft hands by Ponting towards extra cover, Haddin wants the single but Ponting bellows "No"

10.4

M Morkel to Ponting, 1 run, strays on to the pads, length ball, Ponting shuffles across his stumps and whips that away towards the fielder at fine leg

10.5

M Morkel to Haddin, FOUR, ugly-looking shot from Haddin, fetches him four nonetheless, slower ball outside off from Morkel, Haddin gives it the kitchen-sink, the bat turns in his hand as he plays the shot, but it still flies straight down the ground for a boundary

10.6

M Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, Haddin makes room and plays a shortish ball outside off towards third man for a single to retain the strike

Ntini might have injured his left hand trying to field that drive from Haddin in the 10th over, he's getting some treatment, Albie Morkle takes over the bowling

11.1

JA Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, back of a length, on middle stump, Ponting jumps and defends it towards mid-on

11.2

JA Morkel to Ponting, 1 run, similar length, but a touch outside off, Ponting dabs that to third man for a single

11.3

JA Morkel to Haddin, no run, good start from Morkel, ties Haddin down with an offstump ball, pitching just short of a length, Haddin blocks it back to the bowler

11.4

JA Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, Haddin, as he has so often this innings, backs away from the stumps, Albie saw him and followed him, a yorker into the batsman, squeezed out by Haddin, and the batsmen pinch a single

that brings up the 50 partnership

11.5

JA Morkel to Ponting, 1 run, on middle and leg, driven down to long-on by Ponting

11.6

JA Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, full on off, Haddin bunts it down the ground towards mid-on, enough time for the batsmen to hustle through for a single

12.1

M Morkel to Haddin, 2 runs, Haddin comes down the track and throws his bat at an offstump ball, doesn't get hold of it, only manages to slice it behind point for a couple

12.2

M Morkel to Haddin, 1 leg bye, comes into the batsmen after pitching short of a length, Haddin doesn't cover for the movement, is hit on the thigh pad

12.3

M Morkel to Ponting, no run, gets forward and jabs it towards point

12.4

M Morkel to Ponting, no run, shortish ball on leg stump, Ponting plays it off his hip towards midwicket, placement isn't too god though

12.5

M Morkel to Ponting, no run, a jaffa from Morne, back of a length again, in the corridor outside off, Ponting fishes for it but is comprehensively beaten

12.6

M Morkel to Ponting, 1 run, on offstump this time, Ponting plays it with soft hands towards mid-off, the batsmen set off for the run immediately and completely it with time to spare

Sightscreen-related delay here. Albie charges in after it is sorted out

13.1

JA Morkel to Ponting, 1 run, good length, draws the batsman forward, played towards extra cover for a single

13.2

JA Morkel to Haddin, 1 no ball, whoah, Albie completely lost control of that, a no-ball as well, that was way down the legside

Free-hit coming up

13.2

JA Morkel to Haddin, SIX, not the best ball to bowl on a free-hit, length on middle stump, Haddin backs away and hammers that towards the sightscreen to bring up the first six of the match

13.3

JA Morkel to Haddin, 1 wide, wide down the leg side this time from Albie

13.3

JA Morkel to Haddin, 2 runs, low full toss this time, Haddin gets it away towards long-on, batsmen decide to come back for two, it's direct hit at the non-striker's end from the boundary, third umpire is called for, but Ponting had made his ground

13.4

JA Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, again Haddin decides to walk down the stumps and towrds the leg side, Albie follows him, flicked to midwicket

13.5

JA Morkel to Ponting, 1 run, Albie keeps it full, this time on off and middle, Ponting drives firmly to long-on

13.6

JA Morkel to Haddin, FOUR, Shot! yet again Haddin backs away, Albie doesn't follow him this time, placement is inch perfect on the thrash through the off, bisects cover and extra cover, and that's four

14.1

M Morkel to Ponting, no run, Morne starts with a pearler, that's a length ball pitching just outside off, Ponting goes for the drive but is beaten

14.2

M Morkel to Ponting, no run, this time Ponting gets behind the line and blocks it back to the bowler

14.3

M Morkel to Ponting, FOUR, slightly overpitched by Morkel, on middle and leg, Ponting lofts it over mid-on,. timing wasn't particularly good but enough to get it past the fielder and to the boundary

14.4

M Morkel to Ponting, OUT, shorter from Morne this time, Ponting tries to repeat the shot, miscued again, and this time he doesn't beat the fielder at mid-on, Albie Morkel runs back a few yards to complete the catch, and Ponting's got to go

RT Ponting c JA Morkel b M Morkel 37 (58m 45b 5x4 0x6) SR: 82.22

David Hussey, who did so well in the Twenty20s, is the new batsman

14.5

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, no run, shortish and a touch wide, Hussey is content to let that one through to the keeper

14.6

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, 1 run, length ball on offstump, Hussey gets off the mark with a push wide of extra cover

That's the end of the Powerplay

First time we are seeing spin today, Johan Botha gets a bowl

15.1

Botha to DJ Hussey, FOUR, starts with a very wide ball, a touch short as well, Hussey steers that into the gap behind point and gets a boundary

15.2

Botha to DJ Hussey, no run, fuller, and turned to midwicket by Hussey

15.3

Botha to DJ Hussey, no run, on middle and leg, Hussey walks across his stumps, flicks it to midwicket

15.4

Botha to DJ Hussey, 1 run, a little short, Hussey gets on the back foot, opens the face to guide it to backward point for a single

15.5

Botha to Haddin, 1 run, speared in towards legstump, Haddin nudges it off his pads for a single

15.6

Botha to DJ Hussey, 1 run, overpitched outside off, a wristy drive from Hussey has it travelling to long-on

There wasn't much turn on offer for Botha there. Not that he's a big spinner of the ball

16.1

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, 1 run, starts the over with a wide ball, Hussey drives that uppishly but in the gap between cover and extra cover

16.2

M Morkel to Haddin, no run, full on middle and off, Haddin gets behind the line and defends back to the bowler

16.3

M Morkel to Haddin, FOUR, steps towards the leg side, back of a length ball, Haddin flat bats it over the bowler and to his left for a boundary

16.4

M Morkel to Haddin, 1 wide, attempts a split-finger slower ball, drags it down the leg side, that's a wide

16.4

M Morkel to Haddin, no run, much better line, on middle and off, fullish ball, Haddin defends cautiously

16.5

M Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, a bit of room outside off, Haddin guides it down to third man for a single, yet another occasion when he stepped towards leg

16.6

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, no run, keeps Hussey honest with a length ball on off, the batsmen defends it off the front foot

Nathan is among the Australia fans who aren't too thrilled with Clarke's showing: "Good recovery from Haddin and Ponting. These two have been in great form as of late, but again Ponting goes out when he looks to be on the way to post a big score. How much longer will the selectors pursist with Pup's medicority?"

17.1

Botha to Haddin, no run, played to square leg

17.2

Botha to Haddin, no run, Botha keeps it on al ength, around middle and off, played back to the bowler

17.3

Botha to Haddin, no run, a touch outside off, opnes the face to play it toward backward point

17.4

Botha to Haddin, 1 run, driven firmly toward mid-on, too firmly to take a single

17.5

Botha to DJ Hussey, 2 runs, Botha drags it a touch short, Hussey sweeps it square, JP Duminy sprints across at midwicket to cut it off

17.6

Botha to DJ Hussey, 1 run, full and outside off, good use of the wrists from Hussey, he places it wide of the mid-on fielder for a single

18.1

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, no run, length ball, on off, Hussey pushes it towards cover

Morne Morkel has bowled really well so far

18.2

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, no run, lovely ball, pitches just outside off, and straightens, Hussey was looking for the drive but is beaten

18.3

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, no run, on middle stump this time, defended off the backfoot towards cover

18.4

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, no run, length ball on off, Hussey drive but it's cut off by Gibbs at short cover

18.5

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, FOUR, shortish ball on middle, Hussey goes for the pull, miscued, balloons over Albie Morkel at mid-on, well-timed enough to send it away to the boundary

18.6

M Morkel to DJ Hussey, 1 run, outside off this time, Hussey glides it down to third man for a single

19.1

Botha to DJ Hussey, 1 run, quicker ball, flat and on middle, Hussey gets behind the line and plays it towards mid-on

19.2

Botha to Haddin, no run, shorter, Haddin stays on the backfoot and turns it to square leg, no run

19.3

Botha to Haddin, 1 run, a bit of a it to this one, outside leg, Haddin sweeps it to get off the strike

19.4

Botha to DJ Hussey, no run, defended towards point, no run for Hussey

19.5

Botha to DJ Hussey, 1 run, length ball, outside off, Hussey whips it down to long-on

19.6

Botha to Haddin, 1 run, fourth single of the over to end it, again it is played to long-on, this time by Haddin

Albie into the attack

20.1

JA Morkel to Haddin, no run, starts with a full ball on off, punched towards covers

Darren from the US: "Mr Pup and Mr Cricket should be introduced to Mr Sheffield Shield."

20.2

JA Morkel to Haddin, no run, Albie keeps it full, Haddin drives to mid-off, but too firmly to get a single

20.3

JA Morkel to Haddin, OUT, Horrendous, horrendous mix-up, Hussey's run out, Albie sends down a good yorker, Haddin jabs that towards backward point and took one step before deciding against the run, Hussey was charging down and kept running, both batsmen were nearly at the same end when de Villiers lobbed the ball to Albie, who breaks the stumps at the non-striker's end

DJ Hussey run out 18 (23m 20b 2x4 0x6) SR: 90.00

20.4

JA Morkel to Haddin, FOUR, a little bit of width from Albie, a delicate shot from Haddin, just helps it on it's way over the vacant first slip for a boundary to bring up his fifty

20.5

JA Morkel to Haddin, 1 run, full and straight, driven down to long on

20.6

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, length ball outside off, driven towards mid-on

21.1

Botha to Haddin, 1 wide, down the leg side, and that's a wide

21.1

Botha to Haddin, no run, wide outside off, Haddin pads it away

21.2

Botha to Haddin, no run, about a foot outside off stump, Haddin stays on the backfoot and glides it to short third man

21.3

Botha to Haddin, no run, turned towards midwicket this time, straight to the fielder

21.4

Botha to Haddin, 1 run, full toss on legstump, swept behind square for a single

21.5

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, OUT, What is going on here? Another run out, full outside off, Hussey stretches and steers it towards third man, Haddin sets off for the second, Hussey's not interested, Albie throws it from the deep to Boucher, Haddin is yards out of his crease when Boucher breaks the stumps

BJ Haddin run out 53 (95m 60b 6x4 1x6) SR: 88.33

Australia in real trouble now

Callum Ferguson takes Haddin's place

21.6

Botha to Ferguson, no run, a bit of turn for Botha, pitched outside off and came sharply into Ferguson who wasn't expecting the spin, misses the ball

22.1

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 2 runs, length ball outside off, Hussey goes for the off drive, an inside edge takes it towards midwicket

22.2

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, slower ball, 116.2kmph, Hussey is surprised by that one, manages to tap it down to the bowler

22.3

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, a bit of width, an offcutter from Albie, chopped down to backward point

22.4

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 wide, wide down the leg side

22.4

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, back of a length, slanting towards middle and leg, Hussey defends off the back foot

22.5

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, another slower offbreak, 113kph, sliced to third man for a single

22.6

JA Morkel to Ferguson, 1 run, length ball outside off, Ferguson walks into a drive, cut off by the sweeper at the boundary

23.1

Botha to Ferguson, no run, a touch short, spinning in, Ferguson whips it to midwicket, but doesn't beat the fielder

23.2

Botha to Ferguson, no run, again Ferguson gets it away to midwicket, another dot ball

23.3

Botha to Ferguson, no run, lot of turn for Botha on this ball, Ferguson misses as he attempts to get it away to the leg side

23.4

Botha to Ferguson, no run, defended back to the bowler

23.5

Botha to Ferguson, no run, firmly driven by Ferguson, but Botha gets across to his right to cut it off

23.6

Botha to Ferguson, 1 run, finally he gets a run, punched to long-on for a single which helps him retain the strike

Chris from Australia: "Does David Hussey need running lessons? It seems every time he pulls on the national colours he's at the forefront of a runout, generally his batting partner. Either he really doesn't like his teammates or has no communication skills whatsoever"

24.1

JA Morkel to Ferguson, no run, Ferguson tries to cut that one from Albie, gets a bottom edge which trickles towards cover

24.2

JA Morkel to Ferguson, no run

24.3

JA Morkel to Ferguson, 1 run, full on middle and leg, Ferguson walks across his stumps and gets it away to midwicket

24.4

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, Albie's sending down a lot of slower balls here, 110kmph, overpitched on the pads, Hussey taps it back to the bowler

24.5

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 2 runs, another slower ball, this is slightly shorter, Hussey works it behind square, pushes for the second and gets it comfortably

24.6

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, wide outside off, goes for a backfoot drive, which ends up at gully

25.1

Botha to Ferguson, 1 run, pitches well outside off and turns in, Ferguson flat bats it powerfully to the long-off fielder

25.2

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, full and pitching on off, Hussey gets on the backfoot to whip it toward mid-on

25.3

Botha to Ferguson, no run, wide outside off, umpire might have thought about calling that calling that one but decides against it

25.4

Botha to Ferguson, no run, sweeps it to square leg, no run for Ferguson

25.5

Botha to Ferguson, no run

25.6

Botha to Ferguson, no run, Botha goves it a bit of air, Ferguson plays it fine down the leg side, Hussey called for the single, but the batsmen decide not go for it

26.1

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, hit with conviction by Hussey, Albie tests him with the bouncer, pulled to midwicket for a single

26.2

JA Morkel to Ferguson, no run, watchfully plays a fullish ball towards mid-off

26.3

JA Morkel to Ferguson, no run, nearly a yorker, on offstump, dug out to short cover

26.4

JA Morkel to Ferguson, 1 run, slower ball from Albie, not too well timed a drive from Ferguson, but gets the placement right for a single

26.5

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, FOUR, short ball again from Albie, that's wasn't too quick either, 117kmph, Hussey crashes that through midwicket for a boundary

26.6

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, a bit of width, Hussey stays on the back foot and jabs it towards backward point for a single

With Botha getting some amount of turn, Smith has decided to bring on JP Duminy

27.1

Duminy to MEK Hussey, 2 runs, starts off with a full ball that is mistimed to long-on, so poorly timed that they can get two

27.2

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, watchfully defended off the front foot to the bowler

27.3

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, Duminy's giving it a lot of air here, on middle and leg, Hussey dabs it back down the ground

27.4

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, flatter, nearly a yorker, defended off the front foot

27.5

Duminy to MEK Hussey, FOUR, flighted this time, Hussey crunches it through covers for a boundary, superb shot that

27.6

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, Duminy does away with the flight, fires it in towards the base of legstump, Hussey manages to keep it out

28.1

Botha to Ferguson, 1 run, fullish and well outside off, Ferguson plays a paddle sweep for a single

around the wicket to Hussey

28.2

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, length ball on offstump, Hussey gets across his stumps and turns it behind square on the leg side

28.3

Botha to Ferguson, 1 run, dabbed in front of point for a single

28.4

Botha to MEK Hussey, no run, forcefully driven towards extra cover, a diving de Villiers doesn't give away any runs

28.5

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run

28.6

Botha to Ferguson, 1 run, played with soft hands towards point, nicely done by Ferguson, that's another single

29.1

Duminy to Ferguson, 1 run, quicker one down the legside, Ferguson sweeps it fine for a single

29.2

Duminy to MEK Hussey, 1 run, played to fine leg for another single

29.3

Duminy to Ferguson, 2 runs, Ferguson gets on the front foot and drives it uppishly towards long-off, placed to the left of the fielder, and they get a couple

29.4

Duminy to Ferguson, no run, an ugly, forcing shot which is mistimed back to the bowler

29.5

Duminy to Ferguson, no run, driven with more conviction back to the bowler

29.6

Duminy to Ferguson, 1 run, overpitched on middle and leg, whipped behind square for a single

30.1

Botha to Ferguson, 1 run, quicker delivery from Botha, clipped off the batsman's toes behind square for a single, brings up Australia's 150

30.2

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, tossed up, but sliding down leg, Hussey works it to square leg for a single

30.3

Botha to Ferguson, no run, the doosra from Botha, Ferguson wanted to play it to leg, but gets a leading edge which lands safely

30.4

Botha to Ferguson, no run, flighted delivery, defended back to the bowler

30.5

Botha to Ferguson, no run, on a length on middle, turned to mid-on, no run

30.6

Botha to Ferguson, 1 run, driven firmly, mid-on has to run to his left to cut that one off

31.1

Duminy to Ferguson, 1 run, Duminy flights it, lands on middle and off, easily turned to midwicket for a single

31.2

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, Hussey stays on the backfoot and chops it towards point, no run

31.3

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, driven by Hussey, Duminy gets across to his right to cut if off

31.4

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, driven to short cover this time, another dot ball, good over so far from Duminy

31.5

Duminy to MEK Hussey, 1 run, gets a single this time, carted towards long-on

31.6

Duminy to Ferguson, 1 wide, wide down the leg side

31.6

Duminy to Ferguson, 1 run, punched to long-on for another single

Karthik from the US: "Why is everyone after Pup? He averages more than 50-70 in all previous 4 years in Tests. As for ODI's it is ridiculous to have a successful middle order batsman open the innings."

Steyn is now brought back into the attack

32.1

Steyn to Ferguson, no run, short of a length delivery, outside off, no shot offered by Ferguson

32.2

Steyn to Ferguson, FOUR, wonderful shot from Ferguson, it wasn't particularly short but Ferguson gets on the backfoot and cuts that powerfully, wide of Duminy at point and the sweeper can't cut if off either

32.3

Steyn to Ferguson, no run, good length delivery, defended watchfully by Ferguson

32.4

Steyn to Ferguson, no run, back of a length, on offstump, Ferguson defends that towards the covers

32.5

Steyn to Ferguson, no run, short ball from Steyn, Ferguson sways out of the way

32.6

Steyn to Ferguson, 1 leg bye, slower ball from Steyn to end the over, 126kmh (he's been operating in the mid 140s this over), Ferguson looks to nudge it to the leg side, misses the ball and is rapped on the pads outside off

33.1

Duminy to Ferguson, no run, tossed up by Duminy, on middle and leg, Ferguson goes for the sweep, hit on the pads, no run

33.2

Duminy to Ferguson, FOUR, lovely drive from Ferguson, gets on the front foot and lashes that through the covers

33.3

Duminy to Ferguson, 1 run

33.4

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, shorter from duminy, Hussey stays on the backfoot and pushes it towards mid-off

33.5

Duminy to MEK Hussey, 2 runs, glanced very fine by Hussey, the batsmen sprint through for two

33.6

Duminy to MEK Hussey, no run, punched confidently by Hussey, but straight to de Villiers at short cover

Mandatory change of ball

34.1

Steyn to Ferguson, OUT, Steyn strikes, short and pretty wide, Ferguson slashes at it, gets a top edge which flies to Johan Botha at third man, Botha back pedals a few steps to complete that catch, making sure that he doesn't cross the boundary

CJ Ferguson c Botha b Steyn 25 (42m 44b 2x4 0x6) SR: 56.81

34.2

Steyn to MEK Hussey, 1 wide, another bounce from Steyn, Hussey ducks under it, it was down the leg side and the umpire deems it a wide

34.2

Steyn to MEK Hussey, no run, much fuller and outside off, Hussey dabs it to backward point, straight to the fielder

34.3

Steyn to MEK Hussey, no run, pitches on off and carries on with the angle, Hussey shoulders arms to that one

34.4

Steyn to MEK Hussey, FOUR, easy pickings for Hussey, Steyn strays onto the pads, tickled fine for a boundary

34.5

Steyn to MEK Hussey, 1 run, reverts to his offstump line, nicely glided down to third man for a single

James Hopes to face his first ball

34.6

Steyn to Hopes, no run, a bit wide, Hopes throws his bat at it, firmly hit but placement isn't too good, doesn't beat the man at point

Botha takes over from Duminy, comes around the wicket

35.1

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, nicely tossed up by Botha, full, driven down to long-on by Hussey

35.2

Botha to Hopes, 1 run, drags it short this time, Hopes gets off the mark with a flat batted shot to long-on

35.3

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, gives it some air again, overpitched on legstump, Hussey works it behind square on the leg side

35.4

Botha to Hopes, no run, much quicker from Botha, pushed off the backfoot to extra cover

35.5

Botha to Hopes, 1 run, on middle and leg, whipped to midwicket by Hopes

35.6

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, he continues to toss it up to the left-hander from around the wicket, Hussey drills it along the ground to the fielder at long-on

Only two overs for Steyn, he has given way to Ntini

36.1

Ntini to MEK Hussey, no run, starts with a shortish ball, defended with an angled bat by Hussey, the ball bounces at his feet and nearly rolls onto the stumps

36.2

Ntini to MEK Hussey, no run, similar length, just outside off, Hussey gets on the back foot and jabs it to backward point

36.3

Ntini to MEK Hussey, 1 run, short and quite wide, lashed to the sweeper at the boundary by Hussey

36.4

Ntini to Hopes, no run, bowled from very wide of the crease, angling into Hopes, it was a short ball, Hopes gets behind the line and defends

36.5

Ntini to Hopes, 1 run, much fuller, just outside off, Hopes gets on the front foot and drives down to long-off

36.6

Ntini to MEK Hussey, 1 run, sharp single from the batsmen, Ntini again bowled from very wide of the crease, Hussey gets an inside edge onto the pad

37.1

Botha to MEK Hussey, no run, overpitched on legstump, Hussey goes for the sweep, doesn't connect with the ball

37.2

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, closes the face of the bat to get it away to square leg

37.3

Botha to Hopes, 1 run, Hopes backs away to make room, and dabs that towards point

37.4

Botha to MEK Hussey, no run, fullish on middle, driven to the fielder at mid-off

37.5

Botha to MEK Hussey, 1 run, low full toss on offstump, Hussey gets on the front foot and powers it to long-on

37.6

Botha to Hopes, 1 run, nudged in front of square leg for a single to end Botha's spell

Botha's did a great job today: 10-038-0

38.1

Ntini to Hopes, no run, length ball that was slanting towards middle and leg, Hopes gets across and punches it towards mid-on

38.2

Ntini to Hopes, FOUR, Lovely timing from Hopes, same length from Ntini as the previous ball, but it was around offstump this time, Hopes punched it straight down the ground, hardly any power in the shot but the ball raced away

38.3

Ntini to Hopes, no run, Hopes backs away and stabs the ball towards point,no run

38.4

Ntini to Hopes, FOUR, ooh! nearly caught behind, Hopes was going for the straight drive but got an outside edge which flew just wide of Boucher

38.5

Ntini to Hopes, no run, half-volley on legstump, Hopes can't capitalise on it, his whip goes straight to the fielder

38.6

Ntini to Hopes, 1 run, short of a length outside off, jabbed towards short cover, a quick single is pinched

39.1

JA Morkel to Hopes, no run, very full, Hopes finds the mid wicket fielder on the flick

39.2

JA Morkel to Hopes, no run, full ball, Hopes turns it to mid-on

39.3

JA Morkel to Hopes, no run, on offstump, Hopes carves it behind point, but goes straight to the fielder

39.4

JA Morkel to Hopes, 1 run, length ball on middle and off, driven to mid-on for a single

39.5

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, another length ball from Albie, Hussey punches it towards long-on for another single

39.6

JA Morkel to Hopes, no run, and finishes the over with a length ball just outside off, Hopes goes for the drive but gets an inside edge onto his pad

Morne Morkel, who was pretty impressive in his first spell, is back on

40.1

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, he's on target straight away, back of a length, on middle and leg, Hussey is pinned to his back foot and he taps it back to the bowler

40.2

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, more towards the offstump this time, driven towards cover by Hussey, another dot ball

40.3

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, Hussey stays on the backfoot and plays it behind point with soft hands, 'Yes' he calls immediately, and they're through for a single

40.4

M Morkel to Hopes, no run, again a good length, Hopes steers it towards point but no run

40.5

M Morkel to Hopes, FOUR, short and wide, gets the treatment, Hopes throws his bat at that one, and Amla, the sweeper, had no chance of cutting that off

40.6

M Morkel to Hopes, no run, this time Hopes plays it towards extra cover, too firmly to get a single

41.1

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 2 runs, overpitched outside off, Hussey lashes that towards extra cover, Botha makes a great dive to take the pace off the ball, they still get a couple

Australia still have their Powerplay, how much longer will they delay it?

41.2

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, back of a length, keeps it on off, Hussey punches it to long-on and screams "Push, push, push" for the second but the batsmen don't take it

41.3

JA Morkel to Hopes, 1 run, steady stuff from Albie here, Hopes pushes this one down to long-off for a single

41.4

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, fuller on the pads, Hussey gets across and guides it to square leg

41.5

JA Morkel to Hopes, 1 run, lovely yorker from Albie, dug out towards point, a tight single is stolen

41.6

JA Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, low full toss on offstump, Hussey dismisses it towards long-off, only a single to end the over

42.1

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, Morne gets some steepling bounce, 141 kmph, wasn't particularly short, but it bounced much more than Hussey expected, it sails through to the keeper

42.2

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, fuller, Hussey tips it towards mid-on to get off the strike

42.3

M Morkel to Hopes, 2 runs, Morne drags it a bit short, Hopes goes for the pull, not particularly well-timed, Ntini has enough time to come across and cut it off on the square leg boundary

42.4

M Morkel to Hopes, 1 run, similar length from Morne, firmly struck by Hopes, in front of square this time, but only a single

42.5

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, pitched up this time, Hussey was looking to drive to the on side, gets an inside edge onto his pads

42.6

M Morkel to Hopes, 1 run, shorter to Hopes, well outside off, Hopes throws his bat at it, the ball speeds away behind square for a single

43.1

Ntini to Hopes, 1 run, short and outside off again, Hopes cuts that with a flourish, third man is able to cut that one off

43.2

Ntini to MEK Hussey, 1 run, Hussey was coming down the track, Ntini pitched it shorter, Hussey runs it down to third man for a single

43.3

Ntini to Hopes, FOUR, a length ball, and width is provided, Hopes cashes in, thrashes it through the covers for a boundary

that's the 50 partnership, much-needed on for Australia

43.4

Ntini to Hopes, FOUR, Ntini goes for the yorker, ends up as a low full toss on legstump, Hopes gets across and guides it to the fine leg boundary, wonderful from Hopes

43.5

Ntini to Hopes, 1 run, length ball and close to offstump, Hopes punches it towards extra cover for a single

43.6

Ntini to MEK Hussey, 1 run, yorker on middle stump, Hussey was looking to give the charge, he jabs it into the ground and towards the offside for a single

Dale Steyn, who was off the field for a bit due to an injury, is brought back into the attack

44.1

Steyn to MEK Hussey, 1 run, starts with a 146kmph short of length ball, it was close to offstump but Hussey managed to get inside it and dab it to third man to reach his half-century

44.2

Steyn to Hopes, 1 run, length and outside off, Hopes carves it to the sweeper for a single

44.3

Steyn to MEK Hussey, 2 runs, Hussey stays on the backfoot and nudges a length ball behind point, he pushes Hopes into coming for a second

44.4

Steyn to MEK Hussey, 1 run, the angle is allowing Hussey to just open the face of the bat and run it towards third man,

44.5

Steyn to Hopes, 1 run, wide outside off, Hopes strikes it well, it races across the outfield, but doesn't beat the sweeper

44.6

Steyn to MEK Hussey, no run, yorker on middle and off, 142kmph, Hussey manages to squeeze it back to the bowler

The last five overs will be Australia's Powerplay. Morne will bowl the first of those five. Fine leg's up

45.1

M Morkel to Hopes, 1 run, slower back-of-a-length ball, outside off, Hopes again plays it out to the sweeper for a single

45.2

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, Hussey looks to back away, Morne follows him, Hussey tips it at his feet and sets off for the single, superb running there

45.3

M Morkel to Hopes, OUT, Hopes is gone, he saw that the fine leg was up, so he walked across the stumps to pick up a middle stump ball and tried to chip it over fine leg, it looked pretty flamboyant but he didn't get enough on it, and Dale Steyn takes a simple catch to end Hopes' useful knock

JR Hopes c Steyn b M Morkel 38 (51m 35b 5x4 0x6) SR: 108.57

Mitchell Johnson, Australia's third highest run-getter in the Test series, and a man who can easily clear the ropes comes in to bat

45.4

M Morkel to Johnson, 1 run, shortish and on the pads, Johnson dabs it square for a single to get off the mark

45.5

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, FOUR, overpitched and wide, Hussey backs away and carves that behind point for a boundary, wonderful placement that

point goes deep

45.6

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, this one is pitched up, Hussey punches it towards long-off, again he wants the second but the batsmen decide against it

46.1

Steyn to MEK Hussey, 1 run, Steyn sends down a shortish ball, Hussey steers that towards covers for a single

Harsh from the US: "I think that it wasnt wise on pontings part to take the batting powerplay in the last 5 overs of the game. I think it should be taken before the last 10 overs, becasue ireregardless of the match situation, batsman are going to hit in the last 10 overs either way. taking it before the 40th over....gives he batting team an additional 5 over license to go around and smash the bowlers"

46.2

Steyn to Johnson, 1 wide, inches away from the legstump, but that's wide enough to be an illegal delivery

46.2

Steyn to Johnson, OUT, full ball from Steyn, not much footwork from Johnson as he tried to smear it through the offside, gets a faint edge through to the keeper, big appeal from Boucher, Johnson doesn't wait for the umpire's decision and decides to walk

MG Johnson c †Boucher b Steyn 1 (6m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00

Nathan Hauritz is the new man

46.3

Steyn to Hauritz, FOUR, scorcher of a delivery first up, 151.1 kmph, that was short, Hauritz manages to get his bat in the way, a thin edge goes past the keeper and runs away for four

46.4

Steyn to Hauritz, no run, another bouncer, Hauritz hops onto the backfoot and defends, the ball hits bat around face-high, the bottom hand came off as Hauritz defended

46.5

Steyn to Hauritz, 2 runs, fuller this time, Hauritz nicks it again, this time thick enough for third man to come around and cut it off

46.6

Steyn to Hauritz, 1 run, length ball outside off, 152kmph, Hauritz jabs it towards point for a single and keeps the strike

Paul from Trinidad and Tobago: "In response to Harsh, I think it's a great move on Ponting's part. There was no point taking the powerplay when Aus had two new batsmen at the crease and were looking to rebuild. The powerplay can be taken advantage of now with Hussey being settled at the crease."

47.1

M Morkel to Hauritz, 1 run, Hauritz steers the ball towards point, just as he did in the previous ball, to give Hussey the strike

The wonderfully named Barry Badrinath mails in from the US: "I don't think irregardless is a real word. Having said that, I agree with Harsh. Taking the batting powerplay in last 5 overs puts too much pressure on the remaining batters, especially if you're seven down."

47.2

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, FOUR, superb from Hussey, full and wide of offstump, but Hussey loves hitting it over midwicket and that's where he hits it

47.3

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, similar delivery, pitches behind the stump outside off, Hussey was aiming for mid-on to midwicket again but misses the ball

47.4

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, no run, low full toss again from Morne, Hussey's thrash goes back to the bowler

47.5

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, SIX, Shot! another full toss, was a bit higher this time allowing Hussey to get under it, boy did he did that, it goes twenty rows back over long-on

47.6

M Morkel to MEK Hussey, 1 run, another full toss, driven forcefully to long-off by Hussey, the single lets him retain the strike

Blake from Mozambique: "It's a little more complicated than that Harsh. If Australia had have taken the powerplay earlier when they were under pressure there would have been more fielders around the bat restricting single. Furthermore, powerplays have a habit of causing a couple of wickets so Australia could have found itself in deep trouble."

48.1

Steyn to MEK Hussey, no run, shortish and wide, 146kmph, Hussey tried to crash that past point, doesn't connect, lucky to get away with that one Steyn

48.2

Steyn to MEK Hussey, FOUR, a bit fuller from Steyn, Hussey moves to the leg side, hits it over cover, Duminy gives chase but can't cut it off

48.3

Steyn to MEK Hussey, 1 run, yorker length ball, just outside off, Hussey powers it to extra cover for a single

48.4

Steyn to Hauritz, no run, dot ball, shortish, holds it line after pitching just outside off, Hauritz can't get any bat on that one

48.5

Steyn to Hauritz, 1 run, short and wide from Steyn, Haurotz throws his bat at it, gets a top edge which balloons towards Ntini at third man, but it lands well short and goes on the bounce to Ntini

48.6

Steyn to MEK Hussey, no run, superb yorker, 145kmph, on middle and leg, cramped Hussey for room, and he can only stab it back to the bowler, that means Hauritz will be on strike when the final over starts

Nishkarsh from India: "Hussey is not only a great in rebuilding the innings but also is a smart improviser. I think Chennai SuperKings will miss him really badly this year."

Ntini to bowl the last over

49.1

Ntini to Hauritz, FOUR, slow full toss outside off, seemed to have fooled Hauritz, but he manages to toe end it, it races away fine for a boundary

49.2

Ntini to Hauritz, 1 run, this one is on a length, but wide enough for Hauritz to free his arms, he slaps it to the sweeper for a single

Smith takes his time setting the field

49.3

Ntini to MEK Hussey, SIX, he needn't have bothered, that was a massive six, it was a short of length ball, pitching middle and angling away, Hussey gets on the front foot and gets under that one, absolutely hammered over long-on, even bigger than the previous six

49.4

Ntini to MEK Hussey, 1 run, low full toss well outside off, Hussey doesn't care, he's going to smash everything between long-on and midwicket, doesn't get hold of it this time, lobs towards mid-on, Albie dives but can't get there in time

49.5

Ntini to Hauritz, FOUR, another low full toss, Hauritz slams it down the ground, so straight that the fielder can't get round to cut it off

49.6

Ntini to Hauritz, 2 runs, chipped inside-out this time by Hauritz, that fetches him a couple, Hauritz has played a good hand here, 20 off 11 balls

So Australia finish with a respectable 286. Michael Hussey has had a bit of a rough time lately, but he was back at his best today. There were plenty of cameos as well to help Australia recover from a slow start. Brad Haddin was scratchy but got some valuable runs at the top, Callum Ferguson was watchful in his 25, while Hopes was more cavalier as Australia looked for quick runs.

For South Africa, Johan Botha was immaculate again, the quick bowlers were impressive early on but leaked too many at the death.

It's still a pretty good pitch to bat on, and this should be a cracking contest, particularly with Smith v Johnson at the top.

This is Siddarth Ravindran, with Raju doing the scoring. We'll be back in a bit for the chase.