Youngsters Shine as Seasoned Pros Suffer: Australia vs. South Africa

The Twenty20 match between Australia and South Africa today, showed the never-ending potential of the two best nations in the cricketing world.

Whilst the seasoned professionals like Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Ricky Ponting and others struggled on a beautiful wicket at the MCG, the two fresh faces to international cricket shone as bright as day.

Debutant David Warner hit a sparkling 89 from only 43 balls, the second fastest international T20 half-century, consisting of seven fours and six sixes. Whilst in the innings of the Proteas, the highly impressive Jean-Paul Duminy hit a majestic 78 off 48 deliveries, containing nine fours and a six.

David Warner having only played 10 List-A games and 11 Twenty20's, impressed everyone with his hitting and composure in front a monstrous crowd of over 62,000.

The Australians looked like their old dominant selves, as Warner, especially, dominated all the bowlers. With Ntini having an economy of 10 runs per over, but with two valuable wickets in the latter stages, picking up the wickets of David Hussey and Warner in consecutive deliveries.

Dale Steyn, who also took some tap from the debutant by being hit for several sixes over the leg-side field, ended up with the best figures of 3-38, whilst Albie Morkel picked up a couple as well.

The tourists' innings couldn't have started much worse. Nathan Bracken taking Herschelle Gibbs for a three-ball duck, even though the decision did seem a bit harsh.

The second over was very eventful to say the least! Shaun Tait roared in, bowling his first delivery to Kallis at 153km/hr, hitting Kallis on the glove and the ball ballooning to first slip, but for some reason given not out. He ended up picking up De Villiers for 0 with a rapid delivery, and also reaching 156km/hr.

At 12-3, it was looking very bleak for the Proteas. However, Duminy shone, with unbelievable timing, finesse and class he had the Aussies, the crowd, and the commentators in awe of his talents.

Duminy unfortunately missed out on a T20 hundred, which was very much on the cards, by playing an unnecessary reverse sweep off David Hussey.

JP was adequatly supported by Vaughn Van Jaarsveld, who also on debut made 12. But it never looked likely for a SA victory, especially after Duminy was out.

The Aussie attack looked very impressive, with Bracken being his economical self, Tait with his fire and pace, Hilfenhaus who was accurate and bowling relatively quickly. David Hussey was the unlikely hero with the ball though, with figures of 3-25 in four overs.

All in all, today we have seen another star born to go along with Duminy, in Dave Warner. The Aussies will hope that the 22-year-old can maintain this timing and class in many years to come as he matures and develops as a cricketer.