Filed under AUSvSA Perth Test 2008

Australia ain't no extraordinary team.. they're just a bunch of selected cricketers who push the limits within limits and strive for advantage wherever possible.

Today, starting brand new series vs South Africa, Australian openers - Mathew Hayden & Simon Katich were out on the field good 5 minutes before South African fielders made appearance. Usually, openers take an over or two to settle down but Mathew Hayden straight drove Makhaya Ntini's first over twice.. both risky but lucklily, both fetched fours.

Hayden's luck ran out off the first ball Ntini bowled around the wicket, and Captain Ricky Ponting's miserable form continued as he edged very next ball of the match to second slip.. nicely taken by AB de Villiers.

Australia 14 for 2 in 2.5 overs and it was time for rear guard action.. in comes Michael Hussey but he too edged Dale Steyn's newly developed away swinger to left hander which was miracleously taken by, who else, AB de Villiers at second slip.

Australia, looking rusty cause none of their cricketers had played no cricket in last two weeks, they had fallen to 15 for 3 wickets inside first hour of first session of this first test match. Playing his first test match at home ground at WACA ground in Perth, Simon Katich looked determined and left balls which need not be played at. Ecompaning him was captain wannabe Michael Clarke who looked in touch and timed everything perfectly.. soon this left-right combination completed century partnership and Australia looked like gaining momentum.

51st over - Simon Katich misses a Morne Morkel full toss and was adjudged lbw by umpire Aleem Dar and 6 balls later, Michael Clarke threw away his wicket off a rash shot trying to hit nagging left arm spin of Paul Harris who indeed bowled with immense control and determination as be came against the heavy WACA breeze, famously called "Fermental Doctor".

Graeme Smith had brought in all his four striking fast bowlers inside 62 minutes of the game and Harris had came into bowl by the 100th minute..

Smith also asked for ball change several times, but umpires only changed it once 80 overs were completed.

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.