South Africa v Australia, 2008-09

At Centurion, April 5, 2009. South Africa won by seven wickets. Toss: Australia. One-day international debut: R. E. van der Merwe.

Australia's coach Tim Nielsen persuaded Ponting that it was a bat-first day despite the 10 a.m. start and the likelihood of early moisture in what admittedly looked a good batting pitch. Not only was there seam movement, but swing, too, and Australia were 19 for five before they could say "What was that, Tim?" In only his sixth one-day international, Ferguson did a commendable job with a mature 50 in hopeless circumstances, but there is only so long anyone can keep their finger in the dyke. Steyn shared the new ball with 19-year-old left-armer Wayne Parnell and, if it was a glimpse of South Africa's future, that looked very bright indeed as they shared eight wickets for 52 runs. Parnell can be on the slippery side of fast-medium but, apart from the ability to swing the ball, it was his reading of conditions and subsequent adjustment of pace which was so impressive. There was never a doubt about South Africa levelling the series once they reached lunch at 33 for one from seven overs.

Man of the Match: W. D. Parnell.