Spitting incident takes gloss off Australia's day

Australia captain Steve Waugh was spat at by a spectator on a dramatic and controversial first day of the opening test against South Africa on Friday.

The Australian team management have asked local police to charge the fan, who was arrested after spitting at Waugh when he left the field following his dismissal for 32.

Two other spectators were arrested at the close of the first day's play for throwing beer at Australian batsmen Damien Martyn and Adam Gilchrist.

The Australians have also requested upgraded security for the remainder of the test, which has been guaranteed by United Cricket Board managing director Gerald Majola.

The tourists dominated the opening day of the three-test series, reaching 331 for five at the close with Matthew Hayden scoring 122 and Mark Waugh 53.

The drama was capped by injuries to experienced South African players Allan Donald and Gary Kirsten.

Fast bowler Donald collapsed in a heap after a delivery to Gilchrist in the final session, and had to be helped from the field in tears as he clutched his hamstring.

"Allan has strained his right hamstring," South African team physiotherapist Craig Smith said.

"It's difficult to asses the damage at this stage. He'll undergo an ultrasound later this evening. But you could probably assume from the way he went down that he probably won't play again in this test."

Donald has made it clear that he wants to retire from test cricket after this series, but the 35-year-old was clearly disappointed at having to leave the field in this way.

"He's upset. He's been plagued by injury the last year or so," said Smith.

HEART-WRENCHING

"But perhaps there's a need to now acknowledge that he's been a superstar in South African cricket and put his body on the line so many times. He's often played through pain, and it's heart-wrenching to see him tumble to the ground in the way he did."

Kirsten was hit in the face fielding at silly mid-on as Mark Waugh attempted to hook a delivery from Andre Nel.

Smith said Kirsten suffered only a small laceration under his right eye and should be fine to take the field on Saturday.

The spectator arrests took some of the shine off Hayden's century.

"It's disappointing when this happens," Hayden said. "We come here to play cricket and not get physically abused by spectators. It was a good day's cricket and it would've been nice to concentrate on that."

Hayden did not suffer the same abuse as his team mates, and instead enjoyed good fortune early on in the match.

The left-hander was dropped in the second over by Jacques Kallis at second slip when he was on nought, going on to score his century off 189 balls in 290 minutes, including 18 fours and two sixes.

"I thought I was blessed when Kallis dropped that catch. But I felt good the next ball which was a good sign," he said.

"The wicket is deteriorating rapidly and I think we're in a strong position."

Mail Cricket Editor