Australians still haunted by Kolkatta loss

Coach John Buchanan said he had visions of his team's shattering loss to India last year after South Africa fought back to stall Australia's march to victory on the third day of the final Test on Friday.

Australia had seemed certain to wrap up victory inside three days on Friday when they bowled the South Africans out for 154 in their first innings before lunch and enforced the follow-on with a 400-run lead.

But the South Africans fought back to finish the day at 209 for two, still 191 from making Australia bat again, but with enough momentum to at least ensure the Australians had a restless night as memories of last year's loss in Kolkatta came flooding back.

Buchanan said he was confident history would not repeat itself after Steve Waugh told the South Africans to pad up again in the hope of a quick kill only to see Gary Kirsten (82 not out) and Boeta Dippenaar (74) frustrate them.

But he also admitted Kolkatta was never far from his thoughts and he had some nerves after watching the South African fightback.

"This situation is a little bit different," Buchanan said.

"I think we made the correct decision in enforcing the follow-on here. I hope it doesn't come back to haunt us."

In what proved to be one of the greatest comebacks in Test cricket history, India appeared to be heading towards a massive defeat in last year's encounter after they were forced to follow on after trailing Australia by 274 runs on the first innings.

But a magnificent 374 run partnership by Vangipurappu Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) swung the match India's way and they went on to win the match by 171 runs and then the series.

Also read: India vs Australia: 3rd Test at Kolkatta - match report

Mail Cricket Editor