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Australia v South Africa: Alex Carey scores maiden century on day three of Boxing Day Test

Alex Carey ended a decade-long drought for Australian wicketkeepers and his wounded bowling attack is on the cusp of breaking another drought for the hosts.

Russell Gould, Robert Craddock, Peter Lalor, Tim Michell and Owen Leonard
23 min read
December 29, 2022 - 6:29AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Carey's century - Highlights from his maiden Test ton

The sight of a blood-soaked Mitchell Starc hitting 140kmh bowling with a badly damaged finger on day three gave Australian keeper Alex Carey cause to believe his team would have no issue taking the nine wickets needed to seal a series win over South Africa at the MCG.

First innings hero Cameron Green didn’t take field for the Proteas’ second innings despite batting with a finger which was bent sideways by an Anrich Nortje rocket on Tuesday and he won’t bowl for the rest of the match.

But Carey said Starc’s efforts were enough to give him confidence that along with Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and a “heap of overs” from spinner Nathan Lyon and a few part-timers chipping in that victory in the second test was within reach.

SCROLL DOWN TO RECAP OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF DAY THREE

Australia still has a lead of 371 and needs to bowl out a South African line-up which hasn’t breached 200 in seven straight innings.

“I’m really excited by the way Starcy is bowling with that finger. He came in and hit the 140s and swung it,” Carey said after rain finished play early.

“So maybe it’s a good thing he’s got a dink in his digit.

“I think he’ll be fine to bowl the way he does … the way he’s bowling I don’t have too many concerns in this test match.

“Pencil Gaz (Lyon) in for a heap of overs, Patty (Cummins) looked really good tonight and we’ve got Scotty (Boland) there.

“Not to mention Magnus (Labuschagne) bowling leg-spin, seam-up if he has to and Travis Head.

Mitchell Starc’s busted bowling finger. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty
Mitchell Starc’s busted bowling finger. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty

“I feel like we have enough bowling certainly for the second innings. Starcy’s rhythm was really good.”

Starc, who has tendon damage to the middle finger on his bowling hand and had blood on his pants, hit 144khm in his first over despite obvious pain in the finger so crucial to his bowling.

“He’s had a little bit of a bowl in the last day and a half to make sure he could do it. See how sore he gets,” his wife Alyssa Healy said in commentary.

After 10 balls he grimaced but pushed through and continued to trouble the batters before the rain came after he’d sent down four overs.

The extra rest and a likely painkilling injection will only aid his attempts to bowl again on Thursday, before he heads for what’s an expected long break to allow the injury to fully heal before Australia’s test tour of India in February.

Mitch Starc and Cameron Green have been ruled out of the third Test in Sydney. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty
Mitch Starc and Cameron Green have been ruled out of the third Test in Sydney. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty

DAY THREE STUMPS REPORT

- Russell Gould

As soon as Alex Carey crunched the ball through the covers to secure a maiden test century at the MCG his batting partner Cameron Green thrust his arms in the air with excitement.

It was emblematic of many things including the pure elation at each other’s success this Australian team under captain Pat Cummins, bonded so closely, continues to display.

But it was also an indication of the continued comfortable dominance of the home team even under distinctly different day three skies as the Aussie batters took the place of the searing sun to apply heat to South Africa in a manner which drew only tepid response from the tourists as a series loss loomed.

A burst of speed from their best bowler Anrich Nortje in the opening 20 minutes of the day, during which the home team lost 3-2, including David Warner first ball after returning to the crease with more energy that he left with the day before, was the only reward for their toil on a rampant day for Australia.

Carey’s breakthrough century, out for 111, came as Green made an unbeaten 50 of his own batting with a broken finger before Mitchell Starc, his middle digit black and blue with tendon damage set to sideline him for a while, also batted then opened the bowling while clearly in pain.

“Yeah it’s a pretty special week. I have to probably thank Kevin Sheedy that it was a test 100 rather than a run around with GWS,” Carey said as he beamed the smile of a century-maker in the bowels of the MCG.

“He pointed me in the cricket direction so yeah it was a really special day.

“I think it’s one of those things you dream about, to be in a position to potentially do it and play for Australia. You work hard every day to perform as best you can.

“It’s been a bumpy journey along the way ... footy not working out and cricket not working out after a few games.

“I never I guess gave up the hope of playing sport at the highest level and continue to try to chase that goal and dream so yeah, proud so far, but hopefully a bit more to come in my career.”

For every bit of fight the Aussies showed the tourists were equally lacklustre. Australia hit five sixes in their monstrous total of 8-575, a third score in excess of 500 in a home summer loaded with runs for everyone.

Alex Carey thanks the crowd after his maiden Test century.
Alex Carey thanks the crowd after his maiden Test century.
Cameron Green provided great support despite injury.
Cameron Green provided great support despite injury.

After Cummins finally declared, baited by the expectant MCG crowd to do so and the lead at 386, his opposite number Dean Elgar had his match quickly ended.

The South African skipper, his team’s most experienced, most important, most resilient batsmen, gloved the third ball he faced down the leg side to Carey who scooped it up to pile all sorts of pain on the visitors.

After 145 overs in the field, Elgar didn’t last two with the bat.

His return for the series is 34 runs in four innings and the sight of South Africa’s number three, Theunis de Bruyn, who averages 19, letting the second ball he faced hit him, without any sign of visible defence, painted a horrid picture of the clear gulf between the two teams.

When rain hit in the final session, South Africa was 1-15 and to state the obvious, in big trouble after Carey took them to task with an unforgettable innings.

Pat Cummins removed Dean Elgar late on day three. Picture by Michael Klein
Pat Cummins removed Dean Elgar late on day three. Picture by Michael Klein

Having been bowled for 93 in Pakistan in March, Carey’s century came as sweet relief for the former Aussie rules footballer who put away his boots when legendary coach Kevin Sheedy told him his future would be better in whites, despite being good enough to captain the GWS Giants, albeit before their AFL debut.

Carey joined a semi-elite club too, becoming just the seventh Australian keeper to score a test century, and the first to do so in a Boxing Day testy.

He was also the first Australian gloveman since Brad Haddin in 2013 to reach three figures, in Carey’s 19th innings, just over 12 months after an impromptu debut brought about by the downfall of Tim Paine who was long criticised for being unable to breach three figures himself after 57 tries.

Brad Haddin celebrates the last century by an Aussie wicketkeeper before Alex Carey’s ton.
Brad Haddin celebrates the last century by an Aussie wicketkeeper before Alex Carey’s ton.

“I have got tingles all through my body” former coach Justin Langer said in commentary for Channel 7 after Carey raised his bat.

“He is one of the really, really good people of Australian cricket and he should be immensely proud of that moment. The reason that you love seeing people like Alex Carey get rewarded, is because he works so hard as well.”

The South Australian smashed 13 boundaries in his innings, his century coming in just 133 balls, as part of a 117-run stand with Green, the young all-rounder’s joy at Carey’s century giving the “feels” the Aussies have delivered continuously at the MCG en route to what looms as another win.

Victory will also end a run of three-straight series victories by South Africa in Australia, series wins achieved by outfits far superior to the one who turned up this time.

DAY THREE LIVE BLOG

SOUTH AFRICA FIRST INNINGS 189

AUSTRALIA FIRST INNINGS 8-575dec

SOUTH AFRICA SECOND INNINGS 1-15*

*Stumps, day three score

 STUMPS

Play has been abandoned for day three. Day four will start 30 minutes earlier (10am AEDT) with South Africa to resume at 1-15, trailing by 371 runs.

5.20PM GOT YOUR KFC SUPERCOACH TEAM SORTED?

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You can also check out THIS WEEK’S SUPERCOACH PLUS ARTICLE.

My team is going about as well as South Africa’s batters, but my one piece of advice for this round is to get Sean Abbott and captain him.

Sean Abbott.
Sean Abbott.

5.10PM BORDER'S ANGER AT SA REBEL TOURS

Allan Border has revealed his anger over the South African tours which split Australian cricket.

Read Robert Craddock’s story HEREand watch the full documentary on Fox Cricket tonight after day three of the Boxing Day Test.

 4.55PM STILL RAINING

The main cover is still on the middle of the MCG and aside from a few hundred crazy fans still in the Bay 13 area, most of the fans have headed for cover. Hopefully the weather breaks soon!

Australian cricket captain Allan Border (L) with coach Bob Simpson in Sydney in 1987.
Australian cricket captain Allan Border (L) with coach Bob Simpson in Sydney in 1987.

4.45PM BLOODIED STARC PRAISED FOR BOWLING

Injured quick Mitchell Starc has been lauded for bowling on day three despite carrying a finger injury which will sideline him for up to six weeks.

Starc hurt his finger in the field on the second day of the Boxing Day Test, but batted during the second session on Wednesday and opened the bowling in South Africa’s second innings.

Footage showed Starc grimacing in pain after some deliveries and having to retape his injured finger.

There was also blood on his cricket whites.

“Every ball has to be hurting him doesn’t it? He’s got such a phlegmatic look about him Mitchell Starc, but I don’t think bravery is a problem for him,” Kerry O’Keefe said on Fox Cricket.

Shaun Pollock added: “As a team they will be sitting in the dressing room impressed with the courage shown by him, Cam Green, all these guys that are injured still getting out there trying to do a part for their country.”

\Mitchell Starc tapes his finger.
\Mitchell Starc tapes his finger.
Blood stains on Mitch Starc’s pants.
Blood stains on Mitch Starc’s pants.
 RAIN DELAY - South Africa 1-15 Erwee 7no, de Bruyn 6no

The covers are back on at the MCG and players have headed from the field. Unfortunately the rain has been getting heavier since players headed from the field.

4.20PM UPDATE ACA BOSS’ FEARS FOR TEST CRICKET FUTURE

Owen Leonard

As Australia heads toward another crushing Test victory, Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Todd Greenberg has revealed his doubts over the future of the longest format.

Greenberg said the balance between cashed-up T20 competitions worldwide and Test cricket was now at a critical juncture.

While the Test format may seem safe or now, Greenberg wondered whether the next generation of fans and players would gravitate to T20 cricket instead.

“I’m particularly worried about test cricket in the future, it may not be in this generation but there’s no doubt the next generation may not love the game in that format as much as we want them to,” he told ABC Radio.

“It’s a very big challenge, because in that expansion of global T20 leagues, there is an enormous amount of money being made and available for players to play.

“I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive – I think we can have both – but it is on a precipice at the moment in my view.”

Greenberg hailed the example of Mitchell Starc, who has sacrificed millions in T20 riches to focus on Test cricket.

But, he acknowledged a player in new IPL millionaire Cam Green’s position would not make as much money playing for Australia as by accepting a T20 deal in India.

Australian cricket faces a challenge to have “enough revenue in the domestic game to keep players here”, while from a global perspective the game needs a body that oversees it in its entirety to provide more structure, Greenberg said.

“I am concerned strategically that we don’t have an overarching view of global cricket. ICC certainly won’t provide that. They’ve been quite open in my discussions with them. That’s not their role. If it’s not their role, whose role is it?

“It’s a very difficult thing for the fans to understand cricket globally.”

 DROPPED!

David Warner puts down de Bruyn at first slip!

“It just kept swinging away from him,” Alyssa Healy says in commentary.

 WICKET! South Africa 1-0 DEAN ELGAR c Carey b Cummins 0 (3)

Absolute disaster for South Africa which loses its captain cheaply again. Alex Carey just gets his fingers under the ball after Pat Cummins strangled his South African counterpart down the leg side. How deflating would that be after 145 overs in the field?

 SOUTH AFRICA SECOND INNINGS UNDERWAY

There are still 36 overs left in the day as Australia heads into the field. How much damage can the bowlers do? An injured Mitch Starc has the new ball. Not bad considering he will miss six weeks after this game.

AUSTRALIA HAS DECLARED

It comes a minute or so after Ian Smith said this in commentary and Mitch Starc was struck on the helmet. “I don’t see the logic in this,” Smith said, referring to Australia batting on despite a lead of almost 400 runs. Starc appeared to tell captain Pat Cummins the Aussies should be bowling and Cummins obliged a few minutes later by declaring the Australian innings closed.

 TEA, DAY THREE - Australia 8-575dec Green 51no, Starc 10no

The biggest cheers before tea were for a group of young fans who were pictured on the big screen holding up a ‘please declare’ sign. But Scott Boland still has the pads on — or at least did a few minutes ago — so that seems unlikely for now. Australia leads by more than 350.

 CAMERON GREEN 50

An injured Cam Green goes to 50 off 170 balls to back up his first-innings five-wicket haul. Australia is 8-564, the equal eighth-highest total in Boxing Day Tests.

2.58PM HILARIOUS STORY BEHIND LYON’S BAT RAISE

Former Aussie quick Damien Fleming has explained the hilarious story behind why Nathan Lyon raised his bat after reaching 25 earlier today.

Fleming said it was an idea he devised more than two decades ago for anyone batting No. 9-11 to raise their bat at 25 instead of the usual 50.

Lyon technically batted at eight due to Cam Green's retirement, but we’ll let that slide!

“21 years on since I suggested to the 2001 Aussie Cricket Team that tailenders at 9,10 and 11 should raise their Bat for 25 and was knocked back by the captain,” Fleming tweeted on Wednesday. Nathan Lyon brings up his 25 and raises his bat.”

“I have been working on Nathan Lyon all summer, I reminded him this morning and he didn’t let us down,” Fleming said on Channel 7.

His fellow commentators Justin Langer and Simon Katich were not as impressed though.

Nathan Lyon on the attack on day three.
Nathan Lyon on the attack on day three.
 CAREY GOES! Australia 8-557 ALEX CAREY c&b Jansen 111 (149)

And, no declaration before tea. Mitchell Starc is coming in.

ALEX CAREY MAIDEN TEST CENTURY

Well played Alex Carey! The Australian wicketkeeper has his first Test hundred in his 14th Test. His 100 came from 133 balls and has included 13 fours.

As Nic points out below, one incident seems to have really sparked his batting.

 CAREY REACHES NEW HIGH SCORE

Can Alex Carey score a first Test ton?

The Australian wicketkeeper has eclipsed his previous high score of 93, which came on the Pakistan tour earlier this year.

Earlier, Trent Copeland summed up where he thought the South Africans had gone wrong bowling to Carey.

Speaking on Channel 7, he said: “That really is his strength, that driving through the covers zone.

“If you’re in tight with him he’s been pretty circumspect, but 123 (strike rate) outside the off stump.”

Carey’s knock might convince selectors to elevate him to no. 6 for the Sydney test, leaving the no. 7 spot open for a bowling all-rounder to come in for the injured Cameron Green, Copeland said.

1.45PM GREEN’S PLACE IN HISTORY SUMMED UP

Check out the rarefied air Cameron Green is in after a fine start to his Test career.

The all-rounder continues to bat on with a fractured finger alongside Alex Carey.

1.30PM SPIDER CAM OPERATOR STOOD DOWN

The Spider Cam operator involved in Tuesday’s incident with South African quick Anrich Nortje has been stood down.

Fox Cricket has confirmed the camera operator had been stood down on Wednesday afternoon.

The camera has been back in operation on Wednesday, with the South Africans still in the field.

The camera collided with Nortje while he was in the field on day two but the Proteas quick said after play it had no impact on his bowling.

Earlier, Australian Cricketers Association boss Todd Greenberg told SEN: “I saw that

happen live and when he went down I was genuinely concerned … it did knock him off his feet.

“That would be very disconcerting for a player on the field when your only focus is on the ball, It’s obviously human error, but something we can’t see happen again.

“I have spoken to CA about that and I have spoken to the broadcasters who have formalised some things so that won’t happen again.

“Clearly it’s an error which shouldn’t happen and won’t happen again.”

 SECOND SESSION UNDERWAY

1.05PM AUSSIES OUT TO PROLONG SA MISERY

Alex Carey has given an insight into Australia’s ruthless mindset as it looks to prolong South Africa’s misery in the field deep into day three.

The wicketkeeper will resume in the second session with Cameron Green after lifting Australia’s lead to 290 runs at the break.

Carey said Australia was likely to bat deep into the day, pending another South African rally with the ball.

“I think we’ll go hopefully as long as we can. The wicket’s still pretty good. We’d like to get a few more runs and hopefully Greeny and I can consolidate after lunch,” he told Fox Cricket.

Carey praised the courage of Green, who is batting with a fractured finger.

“He’s really positive. As we can see he’s getting in behind them, he’s putting on a brave face and nothing changes when batting with Greeny now,” he said.

Alex Carey is eyeing a maiden Test hundred. Picture by Michael Klein
Alex Carey is eyeing a maiden Test hundred. Picture by Michael Klein

12.55PM SA QUICK RESPONDS TO SPIDER CAM INCIDENT

Owen Leonard

South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje says players have previously expressed concern about how low ‘spider’ cameras fly over the ground after he was struck in the field by one on Tuesday.

Nortje was walking square of the wicket between overs when the spider cam, or ‘Flying Fox’ as it is branded on Fox Cricket, struck him at speed from behind, clipping the back of his left shoulder and elbow.

“I saw cables, moved around, turned my head and saw the cam, but I was a little bit too late. It was quite quick,” he said.

“The one thing we’ve spoken about earlier is how low it is and it probably shouldn’t be.

“Unless it’s for interviews or something – I don’t know for certain – but I don’t think it should be travelling head height.”

Nortje said his elbow was “a bit sore” but felt unscathed otherwise.

“It didn’t really change my mindset. I tried to stay focused,” he said.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

Anrich Nortje steams in on day three. Picture by Michael Klein
Anrich Nortje steams in on day three. Picture by Michael Klein
 LUNCH, DAY THREE - Australia 7-479 Carey 62no, Green 14no

When will Australia declare?

The Aussies seem to be delaying the inevitable, whether it’s so Alex Carey can chase a maiden Test ton or the bowlers can rest up before what looms as an almighty workload in the second innings.

Mitch Starc is available but Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon will have to do the heavy lifting.

Marnus Labuschagne is expected to bowl seamers, while Travis Head is another option Cummins might have to turn to with Cam Green injured.

Former Proteas captain Shaun Pollock told Fox Cricket the bowling injuries would be a huge factor.

“It’s interesting to see what the Australians will do,” Pollock said.

“You’d think it would get to a declaration at some stage.

“But I suppose they have to weigh up lack of bowling options and how you don’t give too much of a workload before tea.

“Maybe after tea, then you’ve got a nice rest. That would be in their talk.”

Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland have both been padded up in the Australian change rooms suggesting a declaration is unlikely soon.

12.15PM SHOULD VICTORIAN BE IN SCG TALK?

Kerry O’Keefe and Ricky Ponting touted Aaron Hardie as a potential bolter for the SCG Test — but what about Will Sutherland?

These all-round numbers are pretty compelling …

I think it’s more likely Alex Carey bats at six, Ashton Agar comes in for seven and then the bowlers.

But it’s an interesting debate nonetheless.

 ALEX CAREY 50

Alex Carey produces a crisp straight drive to reach his half-century from 66 balls and has definitely upped his scoring rate since Nathan Lyon came in.

Cam Green is providing a willing ally for now as Carey chases his first Test century.

Carey has three Test fifties and a high score of 93 from his 14 Test matches.

 MORRIS POISED FOR SCG DEBUT

Peter Lalor reports …

Lance Morris, the most exciting fast bowler in Australian cricket, looks set to make his debut in the Sydney Test.

Australia is two bowlers down: Cameron Green is out with a broken finger and Mitchell Starc with a torn ligament.

The Australians will add a second spin option to the squad and watch the toll on Pat Cummins and Scott Boland who are the two remaining seamers in the team and the ones who will have to do the heavy lifting.

There is enough in the wicket to bowl the South Africans out quickly but are there enough bowlers to complete the task?

Expect to see Marnus Labuschagne sending down a lot of seamers in what is left of the match.

Lance Morris is poised to debut in the third Test.
Lance Morris is poised to debut in the third Test.

In a worst-case scenario there has to be more changes for the final Test if Boland and Cummins’ workloads are too heavy.

Morris, who has picked up the moniker “wild thing”, bowls in excess of 150km/h and was brought into the squad in Adelaide as cover for Starc, while Boland came in as cover for Hazlewood.

It would be a terrible blow for Hazlewood if he was overlooked as he has missed a lot of cricket in the past 12 months, but there may be more opportunities at the SCG depending on South Africa’s resistance.

Coach Andrew McDonald indicated that Morris could make his debut, saying they were focused on the balance of the squad and “we always look to complement the attack”.

“There’s clearly a role there for him, if Mitchell Starc was to go down, so he may be looking like he’ll get an opportunity in Sydney depending on the balance of that attack.”

Reports from NSW are that Sydney will be dry and favour slow bowling.

“If we bring a spinner into the squad for Sydney it will be based on the conditions,” he told SEN.

“There’s a lot of cricket still left here, there’s a decent gap between this Test and the next one as well. It’s not a three-day turnaround as some have been.”

 LYON GONE! Australia 7-440 c Zondo b Ngidi 25 (17)

And Cameron Green will bat again, joining Alex Carey. You sense this might be the last partnership before a declaration from the Australians.

11.30AM ‘FASTEST I’VE FACED’: WARNER PRAISE FOR NORTJE

Andy Bellairs

Anrich Nortje’s lightning quick spell yesterday has drawn plaudits from Australia’s double centurion David Warner.

Speaking on Fox Cricket, Warner admitted he had never faced bowling that quick.

“That was the fastest spell I’ve ever faced in my Test career,” Warner said on Channel 7.

“That was extraordinary. And in this heat, just to keep coming in ball after ball, delivering 150km/h plus … it was awesome stuff from him.

“You know what’s coming at you. The hardest thing is trying to get in position to either pull it or get out of the way. I got lidded (hit on the helmet) and I can’t remember the last time I got lidded in a game.”

Nortje was clocked at 155kph on multiple occasions in the spell.

David Warner is knocked over by Anrich Nortje on day three. Picture by Michael Klein
David Warner is knocked over by Anrich Nortje on day three. Picture by Michael Klein
 ANOTHER! Australia 6-400 PAT CUMMINS c Verryenne b Rabada 4 (3)

Pat Cummins is given out on DRS and South Africa has three wickets in the blink of an eye.

Although the edge was only faint, former umpire Simon Taufel confirmed it was the correct decision on Channel 7.

He said: “In consultation with the technology providers, we did develop a conclusive evidence protocol. Part of that protocol has got some redundancy built into that. Hotspot doesn’t always show us a mark and when it doesn’t show us a mark we then revert to real-time Snicko in this particular case.

“Chris Gaffney applied that conclusive evidence protocol exactly correctly. There was a spike as the ball went past the bat or up to one frame past the bat, which allows for a little bit of a timing delay as sound travels towards the stump microphone.

“Chris Gaffney as third umpire absolutely, well and truly got that spot on with that spike.”

Pat Cummins given out on DRS.
Pat Cummins given out on DRS.
 TWO IN A ROW! Australia 5-395 DAVID WARNER 200 (255) b Nortje
 WICKET! Australia 4-395 TRAVIS HEAD 51 (55) b Nortje

`

Nortje is on a hat-trick out of nowhere! Pat Cummins keeps out the hat-trick ball but Nortje finally gets some rewards for his tireless spells on day two. Travis Head missed a ball on the stumps trying to play through the leg side before Nortje ripped through the defences od Warner next ball.

10.57AM ELGAR ‘PLAYING FOR HIS CAPTAINCY’

Former Test quick Damien Fleming says South African skipper Dean Elgar risks losing the captaincy unless his team’s horror tour of Australia improves.

After twice being routed on a Gabba green top, the tourists are staring at a deficit well beyond 200 runs in the first innings in Melbourne.

Speaking on SEN Cricket, Fleming said Elgar was under immense pressure.

“Elgar is playing for his captaincy career, and then everyone outside of Verreynne is playing for their career,” he said before day three.

Simon Katich said Elgar’s tactics on day two, where Australia amassed runs with ease, were “terrible”.

“I thought Elgar was terrible yesterday with his tactics and decision making,” Katich said on SEN Breakfast.

“Bowlers couldn’t build up any pressure with the fields that he set.

“Then they couldn’t bowl the right length with the new ball because the field (Elgar) set with a short leg and no protection on the leg side.

“On the MCG, you attack the stumps for bowled, lbw and bringing the keeper and slips in the game.

“Jansen was excellent but was hardly given the ball.”

South Africa's captain Dean Elgar.
South Africa's captain Dean Elgar.
 TRAVIS HEAD 50 - FROM 54 BALLS

And it’s raining again at the MCG …

10.30AM SKULL’S SCG BOLTER

Kerry O’Keefe has urged Australian selectors to name Western Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie as a Test bolter for Sydney to replace Cameron Green.

Green has been ruled out of the SCG Test and will not take part in the BBL, with O’Keefe floating his Perth Scorchers teammate Hardie as a like-for-like replacement for the third Test against South Africa.

Hardie averages 44 runs from 19 first-class matches and has 41 wickets.

The 23-year-old has been earmarked as a potential Australian player, featuring on the Australia A tour of Sri Lanka this year.

Aaron Hardie celebrates his ton in the Sheffield Shield final in April.
Aaron Hardie celebrates his ton in the Sheffield Shield final in April.

“If I was George Bailey, my bowling attack for Sydney would be Cummins, Boland, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy,” O’Keefe said on Fox Cricket.

“I’d bring in Aaron Hardie for Cameron Green and I’d bring in the second spinner on a Sydney Cricket Ground turner.

“And the second best spinner is also an off-spinner, so I’d go with him.”

Former Aussie Test skipper Ricky Ponting agreed with O’Keefe’s Hardie assessment, telling Channel 7: “The most recognisable like-for-like I can think of for Cam Green’s replacement for Sydney is someone like Aaron Hardie.

“Another West Australian all-rounder. Very talented youngster. We have seen him probably make his mark on the shorter forms of the game so far more than anything else but he did get a hundred in the Shield final last year.

“And (he) can bowl some handy overs. Bit of a smoky there.”

Aaron Hardie has been floated as a potential Test bolter.
Aaron Hardie has been floated as a potential Test bolter.

10.22AM NORTJE’S HILARIOUS TAKE ON SPIDER CAM DRAMA

We’ve got to pay this one …

For those who missed it, Nortje was hit by the spider cam on day two.

SESSION ONE UNDERWAY - Australia 3-386 Head 48no, Carey 9no
 PLAY WILL START AT 10.45AM

The good news from the MCG is the covers are off and barring any more rain we’ll have a start which is only delayed 15 minutes.

GREEN INJURY LEAVES AUSSIES TWO BOWLERS DOWN

– Peter Lalor

Cameron Green, the hero of Australia’s first innings bowling effort in the Boxing Day Test, has a broken finger, leaving the hosts almost 200 runs ahead but two bowlers down.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Green’s fractured finger on SEN this morning.

McDonald confirmed that Mitchell Starc could yet bowl in the second innings in Melbourne despite an injury which is expected to sideline him for six weeks while Green will be unable to bowl, but will bat with the “small fracture” if necessary.

Green, 23, took 5-27 in the best performance of his career on day one of the Test and picked up $3.15m at the IPL auction on Friday.

McDonald flagged a possible Test debut for Western Australian tearaway left-armer Lance Morris in Sydney as a like-for-like replacement for Mitch Starc.

McDonald Donald also suggested that if a second spinner were selected in Sydney, it would be the player who best compliments the attack, not necessarily the second best spinner in Australia.

This could pave the way for left-armer Ashton Agar to replace Cameron Green due to his ability with the bat.

David Warner has been confirmed as the next better in if Australia loses a wicket early today after retiring hurt on 200 with cramp late on day 2.

Warner’s friend and former nemesis Joe Root scored 218 in his 100th Test and the Australian may be tempted to attempt to knock off that record.

He is one of only 10 batsman to score a century in his landmark match. Ricky Ponting is the only other Australian.

The former captain scored centuries in both innings of his 100th.

In bad news for cricket lovers there is rain falling at the MCG and the covers are on an hour before play, but the weather is expected to clear.

The bureau is expecting a cool change which will be a relief after the second day when the mercury reached 37C, causing numerous players to cramp.

ROCK BOTTOM: SA BATSMEN FINALLY BREAK TEAMMATES

Is this South Africa’s “Hobart’’ moment?

The point where you nose dive into the bottom of the barrel with so much force you realise that unless something changes you are going to crash straight through it.

There are some ardent fans of South African cricket who are actually hoping that if the Proteas lose this Test they lose it really, really – really – badly so the push for change becomes overwhelming.

South Africa were in danger of melting into oblivion at the MCG on day two of the Boxing Day Test but six years ago in chilly Hobart the polar opposite was happening.

South Africa romped to a series victory when they crushed Australia by an innings and 80 runs effectively dumped Australia back at ground zero.

Several angry Cricket Australia executives addressed the team after the match saying it was time for Australian cricket to regain its lost edge.

Some say this was the start of the road to Sandpapergate but what is not in dispute was it was the turning point that made Australia look at itself from top to bottom and realise things could never get this desperate again.

And they never have.

South Africa’s cricket system is at that point now. It’s a mess.

Bowling is their strong suit – and their long suit – yet it appears the strain on their bowling attack of constantly having to defend small totals has reached breaking point and part of the reason why their bowlers took just one wicket on a heartbreaking day two of the Test.

South Africa's bowlers are paying a heavy price for the current talent drain. Picture: William West/AFP
South Africa's bowlers are paying a heavy price for the current talent drain. Picture: William West/AFP

The South African top order are so poor they have six consecutive sub-200 scores in Tests.

Their first class system features eight teams playing seven games a year.

It’s hardly overkill.

Incredibly, South Africa won their last three series in Australia yet there was always a feeling they got there despite their system and not because of it.

The talent drain from South Africa to other nations is a perpetual strain on their Test team.

It takes no imagination to pick a competitive international 12 from South African born players either playing overseas or unavailable for Test selection who would give the current motley crew a decent Test.

Try Keaton Jennings, Jason Roy, Marnus Labuschagne, Colin Munroe, Glenn Phillips, Faf du Plessis, Devon Conway, Quinton de Kock, Tom Curran, Kyle Abbott, Michael Neser and Neil Wagner.

If even two or three of these players were playing for the current Proteas team they could have made a major difference.

Originally published as Australia v South Africa: Alex Carey scores maiden century on day three of Boxing Day Test

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-v-south-africa-follow-all-the-day-three-action-from-the-mcg/news-story/7b66177ae0b2f9655377af9d781d8154