What an innings from Mitch. Whaddaplayaaaa! However, despite that glamorous knock, Harris has handed Australia a rare innings defeat. Last time they folded up by an innings was on March 21st 1998 in Calcutta. Thanks Tobes for doing the commentary from tea. It must have been great fun.
The game was lost on day 1 when Australia folded up for a below-par 209. The pitch remained batting friendly throughout and South Africa bossed around with the bat and the ball till Mitch came on to play an entertaining knock.
Kallis: "It's [captaincy] a tough job but it was made easier by guys giving advice around. The guys played well from the start. It was a fantastic stuff from Harris.
On 3-3 in the six Tests between these two sides: "It's probably a fair reflection on how cricket has gone.
Harris is the Man of the Match : First five-wicket haul from a South African spinner in South Africa in 44 years: "I have played good cricket and enjoyed it really well. It was a good Test wicket' nice to see some turn in the end and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing against these guys [Australia] who I have admired a lot.
Johnson is the Man of the series: "I have enjoyed it. Lot of credit has to go team; our bowling attack stuck together and I fed off it. Thanks to the support stuff. It's a bit disappointing to lose here today. I enjoy my batting and hope there is more hundreds in the future. on 3-3 in the six Tests:" I think it's a fair reflection".
Ponting: "It has been a fantastic series of cricket as the series in Australia was. We came back and rectified, at least in the first two Tests. Full credit to South Africa for playing as well as they did here. Our batting was not up to it in the first innings. Full credit to both the teams; the standard of cricket was very attractive. There is no doubt that with one-day series and 20-20, both teams will put up a good show. These are two very good cricket sides and will be for no of years to come. As a result of the last two months the rivalry is getting bigger and bigger. I have a fair bit of cricket left in me as i hope the senior South Africans. I have enjoyed the contest. "
This was Steve Bucknor's last Test. That's it from us. On behalf of Kip, our scorer, and Tobian Clayton, who did the text commentary post-tea today and had all the fun with the grand Mitch show, this is Sriram Veera signing off.
BW Hilfenhaus c Prince b Harris 12 (23m 16b 2x4 0x6) SR: 75.00
Australia only 20 behind now and closing fast
END OF OVER:121 | 14 Runs | AUS: 418/9
- Mitchell Johnson123 (103b)
- Ben Hilfenhaus8 (11b)
- Dale Steyn27-5-96-3
- Paul Harris42-9-123-5
Boucher brings the field in to keep Johnson from retaining strike next over
END OF OVER:120 | 5 Runs | AUS: 404/9
- Ben Hilfenhaus8 (11b)
- Mitchell Johnson109 (97b)
- Paul Harris42-9-123-5
- Dale Steyn26-5-82-3
5 men around the bat
