Aus 342/6 at close against SL on Day 2

SYDNEY: Australia made hard work of grabbing a narrow lead over tenacious Sri Lanka on a second day tarnished by reckless run outs and rash shot-making in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Scorecard

The home side, with the series already clinched after wins in Hobart and Melbourne, edged Friday to a 48-run lead over the tourists.

But it proved tough going and the Australians failed to get away to a bigger lead after a run-a-minute start.

At the close, Australia were 342 for six with Matthew Wade on 47 and Peter Siddle not out 16.

Wade lived dangerously late in the day, surviving two reviews and a dropped catch close in while on 22.

Australia self-destructed with two run outs while David Warner, Phil Hughes and Michael Clarke threw away their wickets with false strokes.

The top order carelessness was accentuated by Australia's decision to go into the third Test with four pace bowlers and promote wicketkeeper Wade to number six ahead of an elongated tail.

Warner and Hughes both missed out on centuries and Clarke, aghast at his part in the run out of the retiring Mike Hussey, was out attempting to slog sweep left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

The Australian skipper's top edge was taken by Dimuth Karunaratne at mid-wicket and exposed the broader tailend to the Sri Lanka bowlers after batting for 136 minutes for his 50.

Free-scoring Warner perished when he took on part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan only to be well caught over his shoulder by Dhammika Prasad, back-pedalling at long-on, for 85 off 84 balls.

Hughes followed Warner back to the pavilion seven overs later, caught behind attempting to cut Herath for 87.

Sri Lankan players gave Hussey a guard of honour to the crease amid acclaim from the SCG crowd in his 79th and final Test after announcing his retirement from international cricket.

The 37-year-old veteran lasted 51 balls before he was needlessly run out in possibly his final Test innings for 25 when he could not make his ground as Clarke took off for a quick single.

Karunaratne scored a direct hit with his throw at the striker's end and a diving Hussey failed to make his ground.

Clarke looked back in horror from the bowler's end as he sacrificed the wicket of his batting partner amid the emotion of his farewell Test.

Opener Ed Cowan ran himself out for four inside the opening half hour when he hesitated going for a second run and was beaten to the bowler's end by Nuwan Pradeep's throw.

It was the third time in Tests that Cowan has been involved in a run out and twice he himself has been run out.

Warner put on 130 runs for the second wicket with Hughes in just 122 minutes.

Hughes also looked on course for his fourth century in his 20th Test before he went for the cut shot once too often.

The diminutive left-hander, who faced 143 balls, played at Herath away from his body and edged to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal.

Clarke, back at the SCG where he scored 329 not out against India a year ago, also looked in fine touch, lofting Herath for six and next ball went aerial again for four before his false stroke.

Mitchell Johnson, selected in an all-rounder role at number seven after his unbeaten 91 in Melbourne, was out caught behind off Pradeep for 13.

Pradeep halved his bowling average from 406 to 203 with his second Test wicket.

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SA thrash NZ by an innings and 27 runs

CAPE TOWN: Dean Brownlie hit a maiden Test century for New Zealand but could not prevent a South African victory on the third day of the first Test at Newlands on Friday.

Scorecard

South Africa won by an innings and 27 runs as New Zealand were bowled out for 275 in their second innings. But the tourists made the South Africans toil almost until tea as they recovered some pride after a disastrous first innings of 45 all out.

Brownlie made 109 before falling to the second new ball four minutes before lunch. New Zealand lost their last six wickets for 46 runs.

Morne Morkel took the key wicket of Brownlie. There was more resistance from wicketkeeper BJ Watling and James Franklin before man of the match Vernon Philander struck twice in successive overs.

Dale Steyn took two more wickets and Chris Martin was run out without facing a ball as New Zealand's resistance finally crumbled.

Brownlie reached his century with two sixes in successive overs off left-arm spinner Robin Peterson.

The Australian-born batsman earned a congratulatory tweet from former captain Ross Taylor, who was unavailable for the tour after a controversy over his captaincy. "Great fight and well deserved mate," tweeted Taylor.

South Africa took the second new ball immediately it was due and Morkel made the breakthrough with his fifth delivery when Brownlie cut a short ball to Peterson at deep backward point.

Watling provided doughty support as he and Brownlie defied the South African bowling attack for more than two and a half hours in a partnership of 74.

Brownlie and Watling showed superb discipline as they blunted some tight, hostile bowling.

Only 63 runs were added in 30 overs before lunch but it gave New Zealand hope of avoiding an innings defeat - which seemed a distant prospect after the first morning.

Brownlie, whose previous highest Test score was 77 not out against Australia in Brisbane in 2011/12, played a contrasting innings.

His first fifty was scored off only 44 balls, during which time he was twice dropped at gully. His second half-century was far more measured. His hundred was raised off 160 balls with 13 fours and two sixes.

With his score on 92, Brownlie took advantage of a short ball from Peterson to pull it for six over midwicket. In the next over he went down the wicket and hit the spinner for a straight six to raise his hundred.

He was dismissed after batting for 272 minutes. He faced 186 balls and did not add to his boundary tally.

Watling made 42 in 211 minutes off 151 balls before he edged an outswinger from Philander to Graeme Smith at first slip, virtually sealing New Zealand's fate.

Steyn was South Africa's most successful bowler, taking three for 67.

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Indian team looks jaded: Zaheer Abbas

NEW DELHI: Pakistan's dominance in the ongoing ODI series against India has surprised the country's former captain Zaheer Abbas, who feels the host team looks jaded after playing too much cricket.

India slumped to yet another series defeat with a pathetic display as Pakistan spanked the hosts by 85 runs in the second cricket one-dayer to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The defeat against Pakistan marks another low for the struggling Indians who suffered an embarrassing Test series debacle against England at home.

"I did not expect such wins. It was a battle of nerves and Pakistan did better to win it. On the contrary, the Indian players were tired. They have played too much cricket recently and have not performed to the potential," Abbas said.

Abbas, who has scored 5082 runs in 78 Tests and 2572 runs in 62 ODIs, was one of the most successful Pakistani batsmen against India.

He scored six centuries, including two double, in Tests and three ODI hundreds against the arch-rivals. He lauded the Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan's team work.

"Pakistan has done exceptionally well. Nasir (Jamshed) and (Mohammed) Hafeez were particularly brilliant with the bat while bowlers like Umar (Gul), Junaid (Khan) and (Saeed) Ajmal did not let the famed Indian batting line-up open their hands," said the veteran who was widely known as 'Asian Bradman' for his run scoring abilities.

He said it was a daunting task to suffocate the Indian batsmen but Pakistani bowlers succeeded.

"Pakistani bowlers maintained an accurate line and length and none of the Indian top order batsmen could fire," Abbas said.

He also felt that India are under additional pressure due to playing at home.

"Naturally there is additional pressure to perform in front of a home crowd and it tends to increase when India and Pakistan play each other. India was under pressure but we must give credit to the Pakistani team which has performed really well," he said.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is facing severe criticism but Abbas defended him.

"A captain alone cannot win matches. A captain is as good as the team. Bowlers and batsmen have to perform. It was due to Dhoni's unbeaten century that India managed to get a decent score in the first match and in the second match also he batted well," he said.

Predicting a 3-0 win for Pakistan, Abbas said, "I think this team can do this. Pakistan can clean sweep the series in Delhi and if it happens, it will be a blessing for Pakistan cricket.

"We are deprived of international cricket at home and in such circumstances a win against a top team like India will boost Pakistan cricket," he said.

He also urged India to reciprocate by touring Pakistan in near future.

"I would love to see the Indian team playing in Pakistan. Pakistani people are cricket crazy and they want to see the great cricketing battle between the arch-rivals," he said.

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Brownlie guides NZ to 232/5 at lunch

CAPE TOWN: Dean Brownlie hit a maiden Test century as New Zealand continued their fightback on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

Scorecard

Brownlie made 109 before falling to the second new ball four minutes before lunch. New Zealand were 232 for five at lunch, 70 short of avoiding an innings defeat.

The Australian-born batsman reached his century with two sixes in successive overs off left-arm spinner Robin Peterson and earned a congratulatory tweet from former captain Ross Taylor, who was unavailable for the tour after a controversy over his captaincy. ?Great fight and well deserved mate,? tweeted Taylor.

South Africa took the second new ball immediately it was due and Morne Morkel made the breakthrough with his fifth delivery when Brownlie cut a short ball to Peterson at deep backward point.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling (31 not out) provided doughty support as he and Brownlie defied the South African bowling attack in a partnership of 74.

Brownlie and Watling showed superb discipline as they blunted some tight, hostile bowling.

Only 63 runs were added in 30 overs but it gave New Zealand hope of avoiding an innings defeat which had seemed a distant prospect when they were bowled out for 45 on the first morning.

Brownlie, whose previous highest Test score was 77 not out against Australia in Brisbane in 2011/12, played a contrasting innings.

His first fifty was scored off only 44 balls, during which time he was twice dropped at gully. His second half-century was far more measured. His hundred was raised off 160 balls with 13 fours and two sixes.

With his score on 92, Brownlie took advantage of a short ball from Peterson to pull it for six over midwicket. In the next over he went down the wicket and hit the spinner for a straight six to raise his hundred.

He was dismissed after batting for 272 minutes. He faced 186 balls and did not add to his boundary tally.

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Malik removes Ashwin, India 6 down

NEW DELHI: India witnessed another batting collapse as Pakistan bundled out hosts for 165 to clinch massive 85-run victory in the second ODI and take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the three-match series.

Scorecard | Match in Pics

Suresh Raina and skipper MS Dhoni tried to revive India innings but could not get going when Mohammad Hafeez dismissed the former to leave India in spot of bother.

Umar Gul joined the party, removing Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh to turn the momentum in Pakistan's way. Sehwag was edgy throughout his innings, making 31 off 43 balls before caught plumb in front of the wicket.

Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan dismissed Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli in quick succession to rock Indian chase. Left-armer continued his dream run, giving India second blow by dismissing Virat Kohli to reduce them to 55/2 in 12 overs.

Kohli attempted to flick the wide down the leg side but only managed to play it with the inside half of the bat behind the stumps where Kamran Akmal dived full to his left to take a spectacular catch.

India got off to cautious start with Sehwag and Gambhir negotiated Pakistan pacers well and added 42 for the first wicket before the southpaw got his inside edge onto the stumps.

Earlier, opener Nasir Jamshed struck his second consecutive century to give Pakistan a solid start but a middle-order collapse saw India bundle out Pakistan for 250 in their must-win second match.

Under overcast conditions, Jamshed scored a fluent 106 from 126 balls (12x4, 2x6) and along with Mohammad Hafeez (76 from 74b; 10x4) put up a handsome 141-run opening partnership.

But India made a dramatic comeback riding on left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja's 3 for 41 as Pakistan were bundled out in 48.3 overs.

After giving the first breakthrough, Jadeja took two wickets -- Jamshed and Kamran Akmal -- in one over to trigger a collapse, as Ishant Sharma (3/34) polished off the tail.

From 141 for no loss, Pakistan lost 10 wickets in 25 overs as India made a spectacular comeback in their must-win match.

Put into bat, in-form Pakistani opening duo of Hafeez and Jamshed were at ease against the Indian pace attack up front and got off to a watchful start.

The inexperienced Indian attack of Ashok Dinda and Bhuvneshwar Kumar could not make use of the overcast conditions like skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni would have expected after winning the toss.

On the other hand, it was intelligent cricket on display from the opening duo as they cleverly bisected the field to steal a boundary almost every over in the first Power Play to go almost six an over.

In his 'home' debut, Dinda was wayward with his bouncers, conceding three wides -- two in his second over -- while Bhuvneshwar too lacked the bite as the Pakistani duo went scotfree.

Against an ordinary Indian fielding that saw the ball flying past the fielders, it just made the task easier for the Pakistani opening duo.

The 23-year-old Jamshed continued from where he had left in Chennai, while Hafeez made up for his duck with a sensible batting display and rotating the strike.

The duo never panicked and such clinical was their approach that they put on 100 runs in exactly 100 balls -- incidentally, Pakistan's first century stand by any opening pair at the Eden.

Hafeez completed his 15th half-century from 50 balls with a single to deep square leg.

After two overs, Jamshed followed suit notching his seventh half-century hammering Ashwin for a boundary over long-on.

The New rules -- that stipulate five players inside the 30-yard circle for full 50 overs -- added to India's misery as Pakistani batsmen were not deprived of the boundaries.

Part-time spinner Jadeja finally gave the breakthrough almost at the midway stage when Hafeez missed the ball trying to break free to end the glorious opening wicket stand.

Azhar Ali (2) continued his poor run when he was run out after being sent back by Jamshed from the striking end as Pakistan lost their second wicket in four runs.

They quickly lost a third, when Younus Khan (10) was unlucky to be adjudged leg before despite a bat-pad as the Indians managed to arrest the free flowing Pakistani run-rate.

Jamshed, however, kept his cool in his elegant innings to bring up his second consecutive century, third overall, all against India.

Jamshed clobbered Jadeja over his head for a straight overboundary to move to 96 and retained the strike taking a single on the last ball with a cool-headed demeanour.

The left-hander straight drove one uppishly in the mid-off boundary region to bring up yet another century against India.

But he could not carry his innings through as he became Jadeja's second victim.

Jadeja claimed Kamran Akmal (0), his third, in the same over to bring in the Pakistani middle order collapse.

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PCB wants Ashes-like series with India

KOLKATA: Stating that relations between the two neighbouring nations have improved, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf on Thursday said he wants an Ashes-like cricket series with arch-rivals India.

"We have thought of it. The idea has been floated with the BCCI if an Ashes like series can be played between India and Pakistan every year or alternate year," Ashraf told reporters.

"The series can be named either after ( Mohammad Ali) Jinnah or (Mahatma) Gandhi."

He said the level of understanding between both the countries, even at the Prime Minister level, has improved and the two governments are moving in a positive way.

"Even the trade relations have improved now. India has its own economic interest in this and so has Pakistan. It is mutually beneficial," the PCB chief said.

Ashraf said he is working with the BCCI President N Srinivasan to develop a very good working relationship and develop a better understanding.

"Hopefully in future we will move at a dramatically high speed. Wherever I go people ask me why can't we have more matches with India. Why should fans be deprived of it?" he questioned, adding that the ongoing bilateral series, resumed after a gap of five years, is a dream come true moment for him.

Hoping that the Indian cricket team will visit Pakistan soon, the PCB chief said future matches with India can be played in Pakistan or at a neutral venue.

He went on to say that no other cricket game can be bigger in the world than an Indo-Pak match.

"It has been my wish from day one that there should be revival of cricket (between India and Pakistan). It is good for cricket as well as the people," Ashraf said while stressing that such games enhance people-to-people contact as well as spread the message of peace and friendship.

On relations with other cricketing nations, the PCB chief said things are much better now.

"The terrorists have moved away to the northern side of the Afghanistan border. Our cities and grounds are now safe. We have proper security in place and no team should be scared of coming to Pakistan," he said.

Bangladesh had recently refused to tour Pakistan citing security concerns and Ashraf said their decision was influenced by the terrorists attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009.

"Old fear of that unfortunate incident in 2009 prevails. So, they are scared that such an incident might get repeated. But I want to assure everyone that now there is no threat," the PCB head said adding that Bangladesh should honour their commitment.

Ashraf said even the ICC is supporting that revival of cricket in Pakistan.

On the inclusion of Pakistani players in the sixth edition of the IPL, he said, "If the BCCI asks us, we will be cooperative and supportive as we have been in the past."

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India stare at series defeat against Pak

NEW DELHI: India witnessed another batting collapse as Pakistan bundled out hosts for 165 to clinch massive 85-run victory in the second ODI and take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the three-match series.

Scorecard | Match in Pics

Suresh Raina and skipper MS Dhoni tried to revive India innings but could not get going when Mohammad Hafeez dismissed the former to leave India in spot of bother.

Umar Gul joined the party, removing Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh to turn the momentum in Pakistan's way. Sehwag was edgy throughout his innings, making 31 off 43 balls before caught plumb in front of the wicket.

Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan dismissed Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli in quick succession to rock Indian chase. Left-armer continued his dream run, giving India second blow by dismissing Virat Kohli to reduce them to 55/2 in 12 overs.

Kohli attempted to flick the wide down the leg side but only managed to play it with the inside half of the bat behind the stumps where Kamran Akmal dived full to his left to take a spectacular catch.

India got off to cautious start with Sehwag and Gambhir negotiated Pakistan pacers well and added 42 for the first wicket before the southpaw got his inside edge onto the stumps.

Earlier, opener Nasir Jamshed struck his second consecutive century to give Pakistan a solid start but a middle-order collapse saw India bundle out Pakistan for 250 in their must-win second match.

Under overcast conditions, Jamshed scored a fluent 106 from 126 balls (12x4, 2x6) and along with Mohammad Hafeez (76 from 74b; 10x4) put up a handsome 141-run opening partnership.

But India made a dramatic comeback riding on left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja's 3 for 41 as Pakistan were bundled out in 48.3 overs.

After giving the first breakthrough, Jadeja took two wickets -- Jamshed and Kamran Akmal -- in one over to trigger a collapse, as Ishant Sharma (3/34) polished off the tail.

From 141 for no loss, Pakistan lost 10 wickets in 25 overs as India made a spectacular comeback in their must-win match.

Put into bat, in-form Pakistani opening duo of Hafeez and Jamshed were at ease against the Indian pace attack up front and got off to a watchful start.

The inexperienced Indian attack of Ashok Dinda and Bhuvneshwar Kumar could not make use of the overcast conditions like skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni would have expected after winning the toss.

On the other hand, it was intelligent cricket on display from the opening duo as they cleverly bisected the field to steal a boundary almost every over in the first Power Play to go almost six an over.

In his 'home' debut, Dinda was wayward with his bouncers, conceding three wides -- two in his second over -- while Bhuvneshwar too lacked the bite as the Pakistani duo went scotfree.

Against an ordinary Indian fielding that saw the ball flying past the fielders, it just made the task easier for the Pakistani opening duo.

The 23-year-old Jamshed continued from where he had left in Chennai, while Hafeez made up for his duck with a sensible batting display and rotating the strike.

The duo never panicked and such clinical was their approach that they put on 100 runs in exactly 100 balls -- incidentally, Pakistan's first century stand by any opening pair at the Eden.

Hafeez completed his 15th half-century from 50 balls with a single to deep square leg.

After two overs, Jamshed followed suit notching his seventh half-century hammering Ashwin for a boundary over long-on.

The New rules -- that stipulate five players inside the 30-yard circle for full 50 overs -- added to India's misery as Pakistani batsmen were not deprived of the boundaries.

Part-time spinner Jadeja finally gave the breakthrough almost at the midway stage when Hafeez missed the ball trying to break free to end the glorious opening wicket stand.

Azhar Ali (2) continued his poor run when he was run out after being sent back by Jamshed from the striking end as Pakistan lost their second wicket in four runs.

They quickly lost a third, when Younus Khan (10) was unlucky to be adjudged leg before despite a bat-pad as the Indians managed to arrest the free flowing Pakistani run-rate.

Jamshed, however, kept his cool in his elegant innings to bring up his second consecutive century, third overall, all against India.

Jamshed clobbered Jadeja over his head for a straight overboundary to move to 96 and retained the strike taking a single on the last ball with a cool-headed demeanour.

The left-hander straight drove one uppishly in the mid-off boundary region to bring up yet another century against India.

But he could not carry his innings through as he became Jadeja's second victim.

Jadeja claimed Kamran Akmal (0), his third, in the same over to bring in the Pakistani middle order collapse.

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There is no one like Sachin: Achrekar

MUMBAI: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Achrekar on Thursday reiterated that there is no one like Sachin and took pride that he has served the nation for a long time.

Speaking at the inauguration of Nyuzmakers Cricket Challenge, a tournament for jewellery retailers, a frail Achrekar simply said: "There is no one like Sachin."

However, the 80-year-old Achrekar could only mumble softly and had to be helped by a close family friend Milind Gurav to communicate his feelings about Tendulkar's retirement.

When asked about Sachin's recent retirement, Achrekar said the timing he chose to retire is right.

"Sachin Tendulkar has served the nation for a long time. The timing he has chosen to retire from one-day internationals (ODI) is right. I am certain that he will continue to serve the nation through Test cricket and will carry forward the legacy by passing on his experience to youngsters," he said.

A recipient of the Dronacharya Award for his contribution to Indian cricket, Achrekar had expressed shock over Tendulkar's retirement news in December last year. Achrekar had said that he wanted Tendulkar to continue playing in ODIs.

"He should have continued playing in all formats. I wish to see him play as long as I live," Achrekar had said.

Tendulkar Dec 23 closed a major chapter of his illustrious career by announcing his retirement from ODIs. His decision following days of speculation came moments before the selectors announced the Indian team for the limited overs series against Pakistan starting Dec 25.

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Kiwis opt to bat against South Africa

CAPE TOWN: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa in the first Test match at a sunny Newlands on Wednesday.

Scorecard

The Proteas, who would retain the number one spot even if they draw the two-Test series, went into the match with an unchanged XI from the side that clinched the series decider in Perth, with bowler Vernon Philander being passed fit to play.

Dean Elgar also retains his place in the team ahead of the out of favour Jacques Rudolph despite starting his Test career with a pair.

New Zealand, languishing in eighth in the standings, will be looking to build on their series-levelling win in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo in November.

New Zealand are still coming to terms with Ross Taylor's sacking as captain as they begin their first Test match with McCullum in charge.

The Black Caps are also without the injured duo of Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee.

Dean Brownlie is the man to take the field in place of Taylor, who skipped the tour after losing captaincy, while BJ Watling takes the gloves from South African-born wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk.

The Kiwis have also brought in all-rounder James Franklin for Todd Astle, while veteran Chris Martin is the other change from the team who won in Colombo as he came in for Southee.

Teams:

South Africa: Graeme Smith (Capt.), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel.

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (Capt.), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Dean Brownlie, Daniel Flynn, BJ Watling, James Franklin, Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult, Jeetan Patel, Chris Martin.

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1st Test: Proteas skittle NZ for just 45

CAPE TOWN: South African opening bowler Vernon Philander took five wickets in the space of 20 balls as New Zealand crashed to 45 all out on the first morning of the first Test at Newlands on Wednesday.

Scorecard | Lowest scores in Tests

Philander had figures of five for seven from six overs as New Zealand failed to cope with good fast bowling on a well-grassed pitch after winning the toss. Morne Morkel took three for 14 and Dale Steyn two for 18.

South Africa were three for one at lunch, with Graeme Smith falling leg before wicket to Doug Bracewell's first ball of the match.

Steyn captured his 300th Test wicket when he bowled Bracewell but his achievement was overshadowed by a sensational performance by Philander.

Philander, who had to pass a fitness test after injuring his left hamstring in a domestic match 13 days ago, struck with his sixth delivery when Martin Guptill edged him to wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.

There were two more wickets for Philander in his third over when he bowled New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum with a ball which cut back and had Dean Brownlie caught at first slip by South African captain Graeme Smith.

Kane Williamson made 13 before he was Philander's fourth victim, trapped leg before wicket. Given out by umpire Rod Tucker, Williamson asked for a television review but replays showed the ball clipping the top of his bails.

Williamson was out to the last ball of Philander's fourth over and the bowler was on a hat-trick when he had BJ Watling caught behind off the first ball of his fifth over.

James Franklin survived the hat-trick delivery but was caught at first slip by Smith in the next over, bowled by Morne Morkel.

Morkel and Steyn shared the remaining wickets as New Zealand tumbled to their lowest total against South Africa.

South Africa fielded the team that won the third and final Test against Australia in Perth when they confirmed their ranking as the number one team in the world.

Steyn's achievement in his 61st Test means that only Australia's Dennis Lillee and Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka have reached the milestone in fewer matches. Lillee managed it in 56 Tests and Muralitharan in 58.

West Indian quick Malcolm Marshall and Richard Hadlee of New Zealand both also reached 300 wickets in 61 matches.

"It's an unbelievable achievement," said South African captain Graeme Smith.

"He's our go-to guy. He's got there really quickly. He always seems to make an impact for us. He's the type of guy as a captain he's an asset to have. You can throw him the ball and you know he'll make a play for you somewhere during the Test match.

"When he gets that bit between his teeth you really start to see things happening."

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