Groundsman named man-of-the-match after draw

JOHANNESBURG, DEC. 12. South African opener Boeta Dippenaar scored a maiden Test century as the rain-hit third Test against New Zealand ended in a draw today, giving the home side a 2-0 series victory.

In an unprecedented decision, groundsman Chris Scott and his staff were awarded the man-of-the-match award for their efforts to ensure the match went ahead.

The first, third and fourth days' play were abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain. New Zealand scored 200 in its first innings.South Africa was 261 for three when the match was called off 30 minutes before the scheduled close. Jacques Kallis was 79 not out with Daryll Cullinan on 31.

Dippenaar, 23 and playing in his fifth Test, hit exactly 100 in almost four hours during which he faced 192 balls and hit 21 fours. Dippenaar moved from 92 to 100 with two drives for four off left-arm fast bowler Shayne O'Connor, but two balls later he was bowled through the gate by O'Connor. Dippenaar and Kallis shared a stand of 100 for the third wicket.

Resuming at 18 for one, South Africa lost its second wicket in the 17th over of the day when nightwatchman Nicky Boje drove uppishly at a delivery from seamer Chris Martin and was caught at cover by Mathew Sinclair for 22.

With no prospect of a result, the New Zealand bowlers seemed content to go through the motions rather than attack the batsmen. Captain Stephen Fleming set defensive fields and made use of occasional bowlers Hamish Marshall and Sinclair.

The most successful bowler was Martin, who took two for 43. Medium pacer Nathan Astle bowled tightly for figures of none for 31 off 26 overs with 15 maidens.

South Africa won the first Test by five wickets and the second by seven wickets.

- Reuters

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Dravid hopes to right records at Rajkot
Next     : Big win for Osmania