Warne says Aussies have upper hand - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Warne says Aussies have upper hand

By Greg Buckle 18/12/2005 05:32:04 AM Comments (0)

Australia's batsmen will battle a two-paced wicket at the WACA in Sunday's third day of the first Test as they try to set South Africa a big total to chase.

But leg-spinner Shane Warne, who added another world record to his collection overnight, said Australia had the upper hand.

Australia will resume on 1-38 in its second innings after bowling South Africa out in its first innings for 296, a lead of 38.

Opener Justin Langer is on 15 with nightwatchman Brett Lee on nought.

A fired-up Lee took 5-93 while Warne's 3-92 gave the Victorian 87 wickets for 2005, bettering Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee's world record of 85, which he set in 1981.

"I'd much rather be in our position than theirs at the moment," Warne said.

"If we can bat well in the next day and a bit, then hopefully we can post a big score for South Africa to chase.

"It's an unusual sort of WACA wicket."

Boucher said he expected Warne to extract turn from the pitch in the fourth innings, but added the tourists were well-placed in the match, with Australia effectively 1-0.

"If we can try to get them under 250, that would be great," wicketkeeper Boucher said.

"We probably would have preferred a score of around 350 or 400.

"But anything can happen on the third day.

"The wicket is a little bit two-paced and slow at times, which makes it difficult to score if you are actually going after the ball."

Opener AB De Villiers, 21, top-scored for South Africa with 68. Boucher said the youngster would be a better player having been exposed to playing against the world champion side on its home turf.

Boucher clashed verbally with Warne during his feisty two-hour knock, which included six fours, before the leg-spinner claimed his wicket.

"It's not the first time he's had a few words to me and it won't be the last. It's water off a duck's back to me," Boucher said.

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