The final Test had all the makings of a grand finale—an aggressive South African side, an Australian team desperate to avoid defeat, and a pitch promising an even contest between bat and ball. However, rather than capitalizing on their position of strength, South Africa inexplicably allowed the game to drift into a tame stalemate, squandering a golden opportunity to clinch the series emphatically.
An Assertive Start, A
Passive Conclusion
Kepler Wessels, leading South Africa with his usual steely
resolve, made an aggressive call by electing to bowl first on a pitch that
offered assistance to his fast bowlers. It was a decision that bore immediate
fruit as Australia, despite a brief resistance, were dismissed for a modest
269. At this point, the home side appeared well on their way to dictating
terms. The openers, Andrew Hudson and Gary Kirsten, reinforced South Africa’s
dominance, compiling a fluent century stand before the close of play on the
second day. The momentum was entirely with the hosts.
Yet, what followed defied both logic and expectation. Having
reached 100 for no loss, South Africa inexplicably retreated into a defensive
shell. The loss of three quick wickets before stumps on the second evening
should have been no more than a minor setback. Instead, it seemed to paralyze
their intent. What could have been a commanding declaration turned into an
exercise in attrition, as South Africa crawled to 422 at a pedestrian run rate
of 2.05 per over. It was a perplexing approach, especially considering that the
final 100 runs took a staggering 50 overs to compile. Even after the dismissal
of McMillan and Richardson—who had contributed a solid 143-run stand—the
remaining batsmen continued to push and prod without purpose. Rather than
pressing home their advantage, South Africa allowed the game to meander,
handing Australia the breathing space they so desperately needed.
Australia’s
Determined Resistance
For Australia, the match had started in dire fashion.
Reduced to 123 for five on the first day, they were teetering on the brink of
collapse. However, their enduring fighting spirit shone through once again. Ian
Healy, ever the combative wicketkeeper-batsman, partnered with Steve Waugh to
stitch together a crucial 92-run stand that dragged Australia out of immediate
danger.
With the series on the line and two days remaining, the
visitors required a special effort to stave off defeat. And they found it in
the form of two contrasting but equally resolute innings. Michael Slater, with
his characteristic exuberance, struck 95 off 202 balls—an innings of grit and
controlled aggression. Yet fate continued to toy with him, as he fell
agonizingly short of a century for the third time in just nine Tests, adjudged
lbw in what many considered an unfortunate decision.
Slater’s departure could have signalled another collapse, but
Mark Waugh had other ideas. The stylish right-hander, already in fine touch
after a fluent 43 in the first innings, produced a masterclass in elegant
strokeplay. His 113 not out was an exhibition of timing, grace, and precision.
Driving with poise and flicking the ball effortlessly between straight and square
leg, Waugh ensured that Australia would leave the match with their heads held
high.
But if there was one man who embodied Australia’s
resilience, it was their veteran captain, Allan Border. In what was widely
believed to be his final Test innings, the indomitable Border dropped anchor,
batting for over three hours to secure the draw. His presence at the crease
symbolized the grit that had defined Australian cricket under his leadership.
As Waugh compiled his century, Border stood beside him, resolute and
unwavering, guiding his team to safety one final time.
The Turning Point
That Never Came
While Australia’s fightback was commendable, it was South
Africa’s cautious approach that ultimately robbed the contest of a thrilling
conclusion. Had they shown even a fraction of the urgency that characterized
their bowling attack on the first day, they could have forced a result. The
passive batting, the excessive caution, and the unwillingness to declare in
time—these tactical missteps played right into Australia’s hands.
Shane Warne once again proved his worth, toiling through 55
overs for figures of four for 92. Steve Waugh, ever the utility man, chipped in
with three wickets, making up for the absence of Merv Hughes and the restricted
mobility of Craig McDermott, who would soon return home with a knee injury. On
the final day, South Africa’s bowlers, led by Allan Donald and Tim Matthews,
charged in with purpose, but the window for victory had already closed.
A Series That
Deserved a Grand Finale
In a match that had the potential to deliver a dramatic
finish, it was ultimately South Africa’s reluctance to push for victory that
left a lingering sense of disappointment. Their safety-first approach, while
securing a draw, deprived the series of the climax it deserved. Allan Border,
ever the diplomat, voiced only mild frustration at the dull nature of the
contest. But for cricketing purists, the disappointment was palpable—this was
an opportunity lost, a moment for South Africa to announce their dominance,
only to be squandered by caution and indecision.
While Australia left with pride intact and South Africa with a drawn series, the match itself became a reminder of an eternal truth in Test cricket: fortune favours the bold. On this occasion, South Africa hesitated, and in doing so, let the moment slip through their fingers.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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