Cricket: Clarke praises Cummins as Australia prevail
Ponting plays match-winning knock as S Africa downed in rain-hit ODI.
CENTURION:
Australia captain Michael Clarke was a pleased man but admitted his team needed to improve as they clinched the first One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa.
Teenage debutant Pat Cummins had his first ball hit for six but then struck two vital blows as Australia won by 93 runs in a rain-hit ODI. “It’s a very good start,” said Clarke. “But there’s room for improvement.” Facing an adjusted target of 223 off 29 overs, South Africa’s chances nosedived when Cummins dismissed Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy in the space of three balls. The hosts were bowled out for 129 in 22 overs to give Australia a 93-run Duckworth/Lewis win.
Clarke praised Cummins’ and Mitchell Marsh’s show, who took a wicket in his first over. “So far so good. We’re giving them experience.”
Earlier, Ricky Ponting opened the innings and was named man of the match after he made 63 in an innings of 183 for four in 29 overs.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2011.
Australia captain Michael Clarke was a pleased man but admitted his team needed to improve as they clinched the first One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa.
Teenage debutant Pat Cummins had his first ball hit for six but then struck two vital blows as Australia won by 93 runs in a rain-hit ODI. “It’s a very good start,” said Clarke. “But there’s room for improvement.” Facing an adjusted target of 223 off 29 overs, South Africa’s chances nosedived when Cummins dismissed Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy in the space of three balls. The hosts were bowled out for 129 in 22 overs to give Australia a 93-run Duckworth/Lewis win.
Clarke praised Cummins’ and Mitchell Marsh’s show, who took a wicket in his first over. “So far so good. We’re giving them experience.”
Earlier, Ricky Ponting opened the innings and was named man of the match after he made 63 in an innings of 183 for four in 29 overs.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2011.