undyingking | More terrific cricket this morning

South Africa have just knocked off a fearfully impressive 414 to beat Australia in Perth, a really remarkable achievement. Amazing that we've seen these two huge 4th-innings chases (including India's 387 at Chennai) within the space of a week. It used to be that 300 was thought of as a pretty daunting target -- which prior to this week had only been achieved 23 times -- but good pitches and fast scoring early in the game make anything achievable if the batsmen's nerve holds. I've criticized Graham Smith's leadership in the past but he's really done a job today, supported strongly by all but one batsman.

In Mohali meanwhile, England are making a good spirited go at what might be seen a a doomed match and series. 453 is a big total to overcome with just three days left, and the only hope for victory is to bat quickly, declare behind and hope for a collapse late on the fourth day. They've been playing just right for that, with Cook knocking off his 50 in just 56 balls and Pietersen having just completed his century in 127. His 15th century in just 44 Tests, in three years -- what a batsman this guy is. TMS are just discussing "Is Pietersen the best tall batsman ever?" Matthew Hayden and the abovementioned Smith might argue, I suppose, but I don't know who else would look in. Batsmen over 6 foot were very unusual until the current era.