Martyn took the catch of the century

Firstly, my opening partner Matty Hayden dived full length to his left to grasp a full-blooded cut shot that rocketed from the blade of Adams.

Then, to match the impossible, Damien Martyn took the catch of the century to dismiss Neil McKenzie.

Fielding at point he instinctively put his left hand up to another crunched cut shot that was flying over his head.

In the process of raising his arm to the clear blue Durban sky, he found himself airborne, before holding onto an absolute screamer with his less preferred left hand.

Leaked wickets

With the momentum well and truly running our way, South Africa were dismissed 140 runs behind our first innings target and we were in a position to take the game totally away from our weary opponents.

Unfortunately for us this was not exactly the case as we leaked wickets in the final session of play.

The choice of shots have been indicative of mentally fatigued batsmen

Warne caught and bowled Boucher for a duck

My theory is that for the last two days we have witnessed a very tired performance from both teams.

Even on this even surface, the choice of shots have been indicative of mentally fatigued batsmen.

Back-to-back Tests are always challenging and considering the pressure of the second Test in Cape Town, the performances here suggest to me that the game is being played between two worn out teams.

We have played six Test matches against each other over the summer, and with a number of one-day Internationals and first class fixtures in between, the workload may be beginning to take its toll.

There is an increasing argument that too much cricket is being played on the international circuit.

If this is the case I personally hope it does not affect the quality of play being produced.

As dramatic as today has been at Newlands, the sun comes up for what promises to be another close Test match conclusion on Sunday.

From Durban,
JL