NEIL MANTHORP: Spit-and-polished Proteas may be on to rare hat-trick
Shane Warne is no fool despite occasionally acting like one, but rivals and teammates had to take much of what he said during his playing career with more than a pinch of salt. Following SA’s 2-0 Test series defeat in the summer of 2005-06, Warne described Graeme Smith and Mickey Arthur’s team as "the worst side ever to leave South African shores". It appeared to be a stinging rebuke but it was obvious what had prompted it: relief. The first Test at the Waca in Perth was drawn on the final day when Jacques Rudolph scored a fine century and Justin Kemp batted for a number of sessions, but it was also a clear opportunity spurned by the tourists who, led by Makhaya Ntini, had dismissed the hosts for just 258 on the first day. They appeared to have earned themselves a second chance on Boxing Day at the MCG when Australia once again slipped to a perilous 248/9 with Glenn McGrath joining Mike Hussey. Both were dropped and went on to add 107 for the last wicket. Despite replying with 311, ...
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