South Africa in Australia

Gary Kirsten and Boeta Dippenaar restored South Africa's self respect as the tourists battled to avoid a series whitewash.
The pair shared a stand of 149 for the second wicket after their side had been bowled out in just 62.2 overs in their first innings and forced to follow-on for only the third time in 92 Tests.
Kirsten was unbeaten on 82 at the close of play, but leg-spinner Stuart MacGill struck a vital blow for Australia when he had Dippenaar caught by Ricky Ponting for 74.

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South Africa have omitted three Test players from the 16-man party set to meet Australia and New Zealand in a triangular limited-overs series.
Jacques Rudolph, who has been the centre of a political row during the third Test, drops out of the squad along with spinner Claude Henderson and injured fast bowler Nantie Hayward.
Jonty Rhodes, Justin Kemp and Charl Langeveldt are all called up and Lance Klusener, who returned home before the third Test to be with his pregnant wife, will return.

South Africa's 16-man squad: Shaun Pollock (captain), Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, Boeta Dippenaar, Allan Donald, Steve Elworthy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Justin Kemp, Gary Kirsten, Lance Klusener, Charl Langeveldt, Neil McKenzie, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Jonty Rhodes.

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Batsman Boeta Dippenaar claimed South Africa had finally overcome a psychological barrier after a spirited fightback in the third Test against Australia. Dippenaar made 74 as the tourists reached 209 for two in their second innings at the end of the third day's play.

Zimbabwe's tour of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan stands on the brink of becoming only the third man to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings after a brilliant exhibition at the Asgiriya Stadium. Muralitharan took nine for 51 from 39 overs to give him 391 Test wickets in total and lift him to seventh place in the all-time list above England Ian Botham, who took 383.

England Women in India

Arran Thompson made a measured 65 not out to steer England's women to a morale-boosting victory over a Women's Cricket Association of India XI in Madras. It was their sole warm-up game before the start of the one-day series and although there was little excitement on offer, Clare Connor's side were well satisfied with a six-wicket win.

Miscellaneous

England are considering measures to help players avoid burning-out during the gruelling schedule before the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. The players face 15 Test matches and 30 one-day internationals against India, New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka before the tournament begins in February next year. Chairman of selectors David Graveney will meet with coach Duncan Fletcher and captain Nasser Hussain to discuss how to keep them fresh.

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Pakistan's cricketers have vowed to take out their frustrations at being unable to play at home out on Bangladesh. They play the first match of their tour against Bangladesh A on Saturday and skipper Waqar Younis insists his team are ready despite lack of match practice. "We're taking this tour as seriously as any other," he said.

SCORES AT A GLANCE

Australia v South Africa - 3rd Test
Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia
Toss: Australia

Day 3
Australia: 554.

South Africa:
1st inns: 154 all out (Boucher 35; 62.2 overs)
2nd inns: 209/2 (Dippenaar 74; 69 overs)

Detailed scorecard: South African 1st innings
Images - day 2 | Match report

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