Ponting takes the blame for SA debacle

Updated on: 28 January,2009 06:59 AM IST |
Khalid A-H Ansari | smdmail@mid-day.com

Australian cricket is in disarray following the comprehensive series defeats at home at the hands of South Africa in both the Test and one-day series

Skipper Ricky Ponting, visibly despondent after the 8-wicket thrashing at Adelaide on Australia's national day (January 26) last Monday, accepted blame for the team's poor showing.

"I'm as much to blame as anyone," he said.

"I've got off to good starts in every game and haven't capitalised.

A lot to ponder: Australia skipper Ricky Ponting is disappointed after losing the ODI series against South Africa with a match to spare.

"I don't know what it is. We're probably a little bit short of experience down in our middle order but the guys coming in have played a lot of first class cricket."

"Most of us have got 40s or 50s but as I've always said in this game and Test cricket, half centuries don't win you anything. You need guys to go in and make a big score."

South African captain Johan Botha labelled his team's convincing win on Australia Day (it coincides with India's Republic Day) as "real sweet".

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur declared a series win on Australia's day of national pride would make a "good summer great".

"Before the game we asked for a really special performance and the guys delivered brilliantly. We also didn't want to go to Perth at two (wins) all, then there would have been pressure on both teams again.

"I thought (captain) Johan Botha (who took two wickets for 28 from 10 overs) brought us back into the game. He stopped the game for us, built some pressure and then the wickets tumbled," Botha added.

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