Honours even as Steyn, Ponting shine
Posted on Feb 26, 2009 at 13:37 | Updated Feb 26, 2009 at 22:10
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Johannesburg: Australia's recovery proceeded resolutely in the final session on the first day of the first test against South Africa as debutant Marcus North hit a composed 47 not out and added a useful 72 with Brad Haddin (37 not out) to take their team to 254-5 at the close.
Umpires Steve Bucknor and Billy Bowden offered the light to the batsmen 17 overs into the final session with floodlights failing to lift the gloom sufficiently. Shortly after the players left the field, it also began to drizzle and play was called off for the day.
The sixth-wicket partnership, coupled with the fourth-wicket stand of 113 between captain Ricky Ponting (83) and Michael Clarke (68), lifted the Australians' mood after they had been under severe pressure in the morning session upon opting to bat first.
North hit two half-centuries in a warm-up game which ended on Sunday, and he looked comfortable Thursday in hitting six fours in his innings. Haddin, who also hit six boundaries, had joined North at the wicket with the score on 182-5 and the innings still in need of some reconstruction.
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