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Aus vs SA scorecard at stumps day 1 centurion test match

Marsh is a lot like Mitch Johnson, undoubtedly talented but lacking consistency. Hopefully getting this century with Smith, who has wonderful application and determination at the crease will rub off on Marsh. He has scored a century before and nose dived - lets hope it doesn't happen again.
I predicted 295/4 at stumps on the preview thread, I don't know how we did it, I guess that it was a combination of some mature strokeplay and some very impressing leaving. Happy for Marsh, he got a lot of stick but he delivered and I have to take my hat off to the selectors. Sending Australia in to bat has been a blunder and if Australia win this match as a result it will be a hard pill to swallow for Smith.
I have failed to understand why people are saying South Africa is having a world class bowling attack, they have just two quality bowlers 1) Morkel and Steyn. Philander is a pretty average bowlers who needs ample help from pitch to be of any effect. Maclaren is another ordinary bowler and either Robin Peterson is having some Godfather in SA cricket board or SA selectors are a bunch fools to select him consistently. The Aussies attack is way better then this so called overrated south African attack. They have really have struggled to take 20 wickets against an inexperienced Indian batting lineup. I do not think SA stands any chance with this attack unless some spectacular effort from Steyn or Mokel.

Reactions from cricket fans are quite interesting.

HatsforBats says: "Shaun Marsh cops a hell of a lot of flack from us Aus supporters on these forums, I know I give him some despite my joy at watching his best (part of the frustration really). But he is doing a very fine job here indeed (67 n.o. on one leg). If he goes on to make a big one Amla will not be happy with dropping that early chance.

A shame Clarke couldn't resist the challenge, but hopefully Marsh, Smith & Haddin can push on in the afternoon session and get this total up toward 300. By the look of the pitch (and with some uneven bounce) I would think batting last won't be easy, and Lyon could be a handful.

And I just have to say; Philander's first delivery of the day was an absolute peach! Best delivery I've seen since Harris bowled about 50 of them at Cook. It's not often I wish to see Aus bowling first but I was hopeful."

 Jb633 praises Shaun Marsh and says: "Got to give credit to Marsh here. Despite almost everyone saying he doesn't deserve to be playing, he has gutsed it out in difficult circumstances and has pulled Aus through. There is no way Watson would have done the same or Bailey for that matter. The Aus batting (bar Clarke/Haddin/Hussey) has been on the whole poor for 2/3 years but they are starting to look more solid if Marsh can find his feet and Watson to come back in for Doolan. Maybe drop Watson and bring in Hughes. I think Aus are well ahead in this game given the wicket looks pretty shabby and looks like it will go up and down later in the game. If they can finish the day 280 for no more than 7 I think they will be satisfied with that."

But I tend to agree with home and away win scenarios. The trend is that all sides are struggling away from home. And all batsmen struggle against quality quick short pitched bowling. No batsmen enjoys getting hit! I only wish cricket journos would get these simple facts and quit beating up on sub continent teams. Just like cricket is legitimately played on seaming snorters, it is also legitimately played on dust bowls, turners and flat tracks. Some teams do better on one and Others on the other. And the teams that do better on both are usually the Best in the World. Thats all there is to it.