Big boys come out at night

Whether it was a resolute Ricky Ponting at SuperSport Park or an indomitable Jacques Kallis in Port Elizabeth, the bottom line is that two of the best set the tone to get their respective teams over the line.

Ponting opened in the first game and Kallis might as well have in the second.

Both were hurting from the previous game’s result. That is what the best do. They make a difference and stand up to be counted when the stakes are high and a victory is imperative. In particular Kallis, who had concentration etched all over his face during the last encounter and was going to do his utmost to ensure the one-day series stayed alive.

His innings was a master class as he manoeuvered the visitors and surprised us all when he prematurely departed. He controlled proceedings perfectly; not allowing what had so far proven to be a dominant Australian attack a look-in. It will always be pretty tough going when someone with the broadness of bat of Kallis is settled as he goes about his craft on a pitch as placid as the average Labrador.

On this occasion he also dragged another to the party. Graeme Smith played some fine drives through the off-side, drives we haven’t seen from him for months.

The century partnership these two racked up was founded on comfort, doggedness and familiarity. Smith impressed. Smith strutted. He will be hoping he doesn’t lose his form again by the time the decider comes around. How ridiculous that now five days separates the games.

For South Africa the potent Morne Morkel and the reliable Lonwabo Tsotsobe were brilliant with the ball and the precociously talented David Miller, who partnered JP Duminu superbly, fired impressively with the willow. For Australia David Warner was threatening and responsible but ultimately disappointed. Mike Hussey was good but we already know that. Remarkably, Michael Clarke and Ponting both missed out inside seven overs and that never happens. It prompted the articulate Clarke to admit to me at the presentation that his team was outplayed in all facets of the game.

What excites me about Friday night is that so many big guns on both teams who would normally influence the outcome of a game had quiet outings in Port Elizabeth. Mitchell Johnson was minus his weapon of swing and struggled with lines, and Pat Cummins was often full and wide.

Dale Steyn again initially looked short of a run at this level and although he came back well, will be quietly fuming. Mark Boucher had one to forget as did Brad Haddin, while Shane Watson was 'game interrupted'.

On both sides players will be determined to smash and grab a trophy after the mad dash and scramble that is T20 was shared.

There’s one more thing Clarke would like to correct … he has won only one toss in the last nine one-dayers.