South Africa v Australia

At Centurion, March 24. Australia won by 45 runs. Toss: South Africa. International debut: S. R. Watson.

For the second match running, South Africa's pursuit of an attainable target was undone by a clatter of early wickets. The new-ball team of McGrath and Gillespie struck twice apiece, Ponting produced a trademark run-out, and when Hauritz bowled Boucher the scoreboard read 81 for six. Gillespie claimed another brace at the death, while Klusener hammered another run-a-ball half-century - batting too low in the order, when the cause was already lost. None of this detracted from the proficiency and calm of Maher. Standing in for the injured Bevan, he saved Australia from several moments of possible implosion after they were inserted on an active pitch. Maher took 150 balls to score 95 but, with only Hayden, his fellow-Queenslander, and Martyn offering meaningful support in the face of tremendous bowling from Pollock, his pacing was perfect.

Man of the Match: J. P. Maher.