Australia v South Africa, 2014-15
Wisden's review of the third ODI, Australia v South Africa, 2014-15
15-Apr-2015
At Canberra, November 19, 2014 (day/night). Australia won by 73 runs. Toss: Australia.
A minute's silence was held before play in memory of Ian Craig, Australia's youngest Test captain, who had died three days earlier. Though Finch compiled a scene-setting century, it was Smith's daring and invention that put enough daylight between the sides to hold off a pair of sparkling innings from Amla and de Villiers. The Australian capital turned out on a gleaming day for the only near-full-house of the series - and the match that proved its turning point. Warner and Watson contributed a smattering of fine strokes, while seven wides and four no-balls were more charitable from South Africa's bowlers than the gentlest loosener to the Prime Minister at Parliamentary Question Time. Smith hardly needed the help, and an ability to find the boundary when even Finch had struggled, illustrated his potential. One quick-thinking glance, off a Morkel yorker in the last over, seemed to be played deliberately through his own legs. South Africa's chase began in some comfort and, while Amla and de Villiers were adding 76, it looked under control. But Australia's quicks made good use of the older ball, and the loss of the two set batsmen in six deliveries signalled the end of the contest. Imran Tahir did not come out to bat, after hurting his knee in the field.
Man of the Match: S. P. D. Smith.
A minute's silence was held before play in memory of Ian Craig, Australia's youngest Test captain, who had died three days earlier. Though Finch compiled a scene-setting century, it was Smith's daring and invention that put enough daylight between the sides to hold off a pair of sparkling innings from Amla and de Villiers. The Australian capital turned out on a gleaming day for the only near-full-house of the series - and the match that proved its turning point. Warner and Watson contributed a smattering of fine strokes, while seven wides and four no-balls were more charitable from South Africa's bowlers than the gentlest loosener to the Prime Minister at Parliamentary Question Time. Smith hardly needed the help, and an ability to find the boundary when even Finch had struggled, illustrated his potential. One quick-thinking glance, off a Morkel yorker in the last over, seemed to be played deliberately through his own legs. South Africa's chase began in some comfort and, while Amla and de Villiers were adding 76, it looked under control. But Australia's quicks made good use of the older ball, and the loss of the two set batsmen in six deliveries signalled the end of the contest. Imran Tahir did not come out to bat, after hurting his knee in the field.
Man of the Match: S. P. D. Smith.