 A formidable double act - Aussie batting aces Ponting and Hayden |
Australia's Matthew Hayden believes his skipper Ricky Ponting is the best batsman in the world, by a distance. "Ricky is head and shoulders the number one in the world," said Hayden after seeing Ponting hit his second century in a single Test in Durban.
"On all surfaces and in all conditions he's been a wonderful player for the past 18 months or two years.
"He's mastered all conditions. He's definitely going to be one of Australia's finest for years to come."
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Mickey Arthur is confident his batsmen can save the second Test, needing to bat out the whole of the last day to secure a draw.
"It's time for the batters to step up to the plate," he said.
"They probably let the bowling unit down in the first innings and I am confident they can do it."
In South Africa's favour is the fact they still have all 10 of their second innings wickets standing.