Australia vs South Africa | WTC Final | Stuart Clark’s Dream Debut! | Controversial Hayden Catch

Описание: Match: South Africa vs Australia – 1st Test
Date: March 16–18, 2006
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Toss: South Africa (elected to bat)
Result: Australia won by 7 wickets
Test Debut: Stuart Clark
Man of the Match: S. R. Clark (9/89)
Attendance: 28,033

🎯 Match Summary:

In a Test overshadowed by mind games even before the first ball was bowled, Australia proved why they were the dominant side of the 2000s. South Africa tried to doctor the pitch to nullify Shane Warne — but it was debutant Stuart Clark, a calm, consistent seamer, who seized the spotlight.

🧨 Stuart Clark on debut:

3 wickets in his opening spell

Match figures: 9 for 89, the third-best debut return in Australian history

Seam, swing, and McGrath-like control from ball one

💪 Australian Batting Highlights:

Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting added a crucial 154-run stand

Ponting’s dominance continued after twin hundreds in Sydney and a century at the Wanderers ODI

First innings lead of 103 runs set up the game

🔁 2nd Innings:

Warne bounced back with key wickets

South Africa folded again

Australia chased 95 to win, despite a minor scare and a controversial Hayden catch

🔥 This Test marked the arrival of Stuart Clark as a major force and showcased Australia’s unmatched depth.

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