What began as a rout has ended as a contest

Hopes of Australia's first series whitewash over South Africa in 70 years appear closer to fruition after a four-pronged attack bowled the home team into a winning position on the third morning of the Third Test in Sydney today

Like Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer before him, Australia's Damien Martyn knows the experience of having plumbed the depths of an international cricket career

The dateline might have changed but there wasn't too much difference in the look of the scoreline as openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden combined to hand Australia early command of the Third Test against South Africa in Sydney today.

Just three weeks ago, it seemed foolhardy to imagine that the Third Test between Australia and South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground would be a dead rubber

Brad Williams' claims on an international debut have been enhanced after the pace bowler was today selected in the 14-man squad that will represent the country in the VB Series of one-day international matches against New Zealand and South Africa.

Western Australia's Ryan Campbell is the surprise choice as wicketkeeper in the 12-man squad selected to represent Australia 'A' in matches against New Zealand and South Africa next week.

Chronicles of any successful year would normally be expected to begin on a triumphant note

The NSWIS Blues have booked a place in this season's National Women's Cricket League finals series after storming to dual wins over the Western Fury in Perth this weekend.

Australian captain Steve Waugh will forego half of his current match payment after being found guilty of misconduct in a hearing before match referee Ranjan Madugalle in Melbourne last night.

It has been more than three years since South Africa last lost two Tests in succession

Australian captain Steve Waugh will front match referee Ranjan Madugalle tonight after being charged with misconduct relating to an incident on the third day's play of the Second Test against South Africa in Melbourne.

Close to 362 days will pass before the matter formally requires resolution

There was not much in the way of further rain on the second day of the Second Test between Australia and South Africa in Melbourne today

Boxing Day - aesthetically billed in the context of this heavyweight showdown between Australia and South Africa - is, in theory, the biggest day on the Australian cricket calendar

A season of joy and happiness it might be

It's the halfway point of the Pura Cup season; the ING Cup campaign has moved beyond its mid-point; and two-thirds of the summer's Tests have been completed

Injury has closed a door on Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie's chances of playing in the Second Test against South Africa, but opened others for Andy Bichel and Brad Williams in a dramatic turn of events in Melbourne today.

Roused after a long hibernation, critics have emerged from the woodwork with abandon over recent weeks to salivate over the potential demise of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

The ability of South Africa's middle order batsmen to conquer a powerful Australian attack and a wearing pitch will determine the outcome of the First Test between the countries at the Adelaide Oval tomorrow.