Cricket: Eyes turn to Ashes series

While Pakistan is trying to avoid being totally crushed under Australia's heel, South Africa have seized on a glimmer of hope in their cricket series against England today.

However, the eyes of the rest of the world are fixed firmly on the Ashes series later this year as the real battle of the cricket Titans. For many, the two series are but forerunners to the clash between Australia and England in July, where expectation is growing as much as the Lions vs All Blacks series is being anticipated in rugby.

Australia have already won the series against Pakistan after two drubbings in Perth and Melbourne. Pakistan have not beaten Australia in a test for a decade and the odds are heavily stacked against them breaking that drought in Sydney.

The tourists have been crippled by a mounting injury toll. Paceman Mohammad Sami, allrounder Shoaib Malik, captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and Abdul Razzaq are all out. Worse still for Pakistan has been the form of their fit players. They lost the opening test by 491 runs after being skittled for just 72 in their second innings and then collapsed to a nine-wicket defeat in Melbourne earlier this week.

Pakistan have failed to ram home their advantage after having the Australians 78 for five in Perth and 171 for five in Melbourne, only to implode and lose both tests heavily. The home side are brimming with confidence, so much so that the selectors were able to release express bowler Brett Lee to play in domestic cricket and to make Michael Kasprowicz - who has bowled splendidly - 12th man to bring in allrounder Shane Watson and second leg-spinner Stuart MacGill on an SCG pitch that traditionally favours slow bowlers. The match could also signal the end for 34-year-old batsman Daren Lehman - left out of the side after comparatively poor form.

Meanwhile England narrowly missed going 2-0 up in their series as bad light saw South Africa escape with a draw.

However, the Proteas played well for much of the match and were taking heart from opening bowler Shaun Pollock being passed fit for the third test.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY