Filed under AUSvSA Perth Test 2008

When was the last time South Africa played a test match at Perth? exactly 3 years ago from today, from 16 December 2005.

Same was their captain (Graeme Smith) and he did similar talks before the series, promising to compete with Australia in their own backyard.. prasing how balanced & hungry squad he had then.

Result : Smith's men drew 1st test match at perth, batting out last day skillfully, only to lose the series 2-0.

3 years hence, from same day, at same venue - Proteas kickoff their 2008-09 tour tomorrow, with similar promise to topple World No. 1 team in front of their own crowd. For sure, opportunity is there for taking, as Australia are in rebuilding process after retirements of legends and lack confidence after recent loss to India and also due to the fact that Stuart Clark - their biggest weapon under home conditions, has been ruled out off nagging elbow injury.

Can Proteas walk their talk this time? we'll only know after 15 days of intense cricket, starting tomorow.

Pitch at Perth is famous as one of the fastest cricket 22 yards in the world, but it had slowed down over the years.. Curator Cameron Sutherland promises a much greener and thus, much faster pitch at WACA this time than what it was for Australia vs India test match 12 months ago where visitors beat home team. Sutherland says pitch was newly laid then, and followed Domestic twenty20 finals for which, he had made much flatter pitch. This time - he's had fine weather and ample of time to meet his own expectations.

Match Start Timings : This Australia vs South Africa first test match will be starting 11.30am local time in Perth in western Australia, which makes it 1.30 in the afternoon for residents of Sydney and Melbourne.. Each day's play will be starting 8am India timing, 9.30 pm Canada, 10.30 am Hong Kong in China, 3.30 pm New Zealand, 4.30 early morning for cricket fans in South Africa, 2.30 am UK, 9.30pm Atlanta & 8.30pm Texas in United states of America.Cricket fans in Dubai can watch this Australia-South Africa test match starting from 6.30 in the morning.

Scorecard : Australia vs South Africa 1st test, Perth : 17-21 December 2008

Preview : Both teams may play a spinner on world's fastest pitch

Day 1 : Australia survive fluctuating day to reach respectable total

Day 2 : South Africa dig their grave in last hour of the day

Day 3 : Proteas stay afloat on an eventful day.

Day 4 : South Africa need 187 more runs : 7 wickets & a day to go

Day 5 : South Africa shock Australia : Chase 414, batting 4th.