Proteas win back opportunity

I must confess to being as surprised as anyone else that South Africa drew the first test. But my surprise was not as great as it could have been had I not watched the pre-lunch session on the last day. In that period of time, RSA's batsmen gave some evidence that they could and would survive (though Prince's skittishness againsts Warne was not reassuring).

South Africa must sense now that they are in with a chance. They will be the inspired team at the MCG; they have shown themselves capable of dismissing Australia for less than 300; Smith is due for a big score; Kallis will be back.

The next two tests will be crackers. And they'll start earlier at night out here on the East Coast. Hallelujah!