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General Cricket => Latest Matches => Topic started by: wcc on December 05, 2013, 02:20:29 PM

Title: South Africa v India
Post by: wcc on December 05, 2013, 02:20:29 PM
Anyone else watching the ODI? Quinton De Kock looking very impressive for a 20 yr old currently 129*!!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The Palmist on December 05, 2013, 03:05:59 PM
Anyone else watching the ODI? Quinton De Kock looking very impressive for a 20 yr old currently 129*!!

I thought you were swearing at him then I realised that's his name. Brilliant.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: sfa82 on December 05, 2013, 03:23:30 PM
AB and Duminy scored plenty in the last ten overs. Good score after an excellent innings by the young De Kock!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: PM7 on December 05, 2013, 03:26:28 PM
Has anyone else noticed the foul dress sense of the Saffas?
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: sfa82 on December 05, 2013, 03:28:08 PM
Has anyone else noticed the foul dress sense of the Saffas?

They are wearing pink in support of breast cancer awareness. They did the same last year.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: FvanN on December 05, 2013, 03:30:35 PM
Happy happy happy... Great knock by the boys... Now just to make sure India dont have as good a time with the bat as we did...  :D
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 05, 2013, 03:38:09 PM
Possibly the only team in ODI cricket that would get near a 350 run chase at the moment are India, Sets up a good game.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: PM7 on December 05, 2013, 03:46:43 PM
They are wearing pink in support of breast cancer awareness. They did the same last year.
Thats as good a reason as possible :).
I cant believe they had pink helmets made for this, thats commitment.
Looking forward to the run chase!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The Palmist on December 05, 2013, 04:07:00 PM
Good test for the much hyped Indian lineup.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Alvaro on December 05, 2013, 04:11:47 PM
Time for Kohli to step up
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: PM7 on December 05, 2013, 04:20:02 PM
Or take a step back, Morkel and Steyn are looking deadly on this pitch.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 05, 2013, 05:49:28 PM
Quinton de Kock is moving closer to bagging a Test debut.

With Elgar, Duminy and Alviro not exactly piling the runs on in recent times, there are places up for grabs.

De Kock would obviously bat at 7 in the Test side, if he gets a debut.

This pitch, TBH, is perfect for the side we've selected. 6 seamers on a fast bouncy pitch.

India's team leaves a lot to be desired.

How they continually selected Yuvraj is a mystery. The lad got an illness. But that doesn't mean he should get picked for charity...

Pujara is their Test number 3, get him into the side. He's a good young player.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 05, 2013, 06:03:07 PM
As mad as it may seem with Dhoni still at the crease it's not over.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 05, 2013, 06:07:58 PM
I have no clue how Tsotsobe all ways gets picked...

With all the bowling talent we have, philander carrying drinks and the raw speed of de Lange, Tsotsobe shouldn't be in the team
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 05, 2013, 06:20:55 PM
Yuvraj has been given too many chances..he needs to be dropped and Rahane or Rayudu need to be given a chance. He isnt bowling either.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 05, 2013, 06:22:23 PM
I have no clue how Tsotsobe all ways gets picked...

With all the bowling talent we have, philander carrying drinks and the raw speed of de Lange, Tsotsobe shouldn't be in the team

Tsotsobe adds good variety as a left arm pacer imo..Parnell is the bigger surprise for me. He can be really wayward at times.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 05, 2013, 06:23:19 PM
Ashwin looking good. He definitely has it in him to be a good all rounder. That pull off Tostsobe was sweet!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on December 05, 2013, 06:33:26 PM
Quinton de Kock is moving closer to bagging a Test debut.

With Elgar, Duminy and Alviro not exactly piling the runs on in recent times, there are places up for grabs.

De Kock would obviously bat at 7 in the Test side, if he gets a debut.

This pitch, TBH, is perfect for the side we've selected. 6 seamers on a fast bouncy pitch.

India's team leaves a lot to be desired.

How they continually selected Yuvraj is a mystery. The lad got an illness. But that doesn't mean he should get picked for charity...

Pujara is their Test number 3, get him into the side. He's a good young player.

You mean SARA didn't prepare a slow wicket or Bunsen burner for the Indians??? I can't believe they chose to go for the pace and bounce wickets instead.. Especially as India have zero decent pace bowlers and love feather beds to smash runs on.

Glad SA smashed them, long may it continue
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: sfa82 on December 05, 2013, 07:10:18 PM
Well played by South Africa. Bowling performance backed up a very good total put up by the batters. Philander in for Parnell in the next game I would think. De Kock man of the match for sure.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: wcc on December 05, 2013, 11:54:02 PM
Well played by South Africa. Bowling performance backed up a very good total put up by the batters. Philander in for Parnell in the next game I would think. De Kock man of the match for sure.
Yeah good bowling performance first up from Steyn and Morkel, when India have seemed to always get off to a flyer in recent times.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on December 06, 2013, 12:03:26 AM
Yeah good bowling performance first up from Steyn and Morkel, when India have seemed to always get off to a flyer in recent times.

It'll be interesting to see how India get on in the next two ODI's. I think they've been shown up as feather bed bully's but only time will tell
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 06, 2013, 12:27:41 AM
It'll be interesting to see how India get on in the next two ODI's. I think they've been shown up as feather bed bully's but only time will tell
Unless I'm mistaken, the so called 'featherbed bullied' won the ICC champions trophy in England.

A tournament which the Proteas and England where desperate to win.

The bounce in Jo'burg is similar to Perth. No other ground back home plays like that.

Might be needed to be pointed out, India didn't bother with any warm up games. Whilst we played 2 x T20s and 3 x ODIs vs Pakistan.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 06, 2013, 01:01:09 AM
I would solely blame the Indian bowlers..they gave away too many runs and the batsmen were always under pressure. They need to get it together if India wants to make this odi series interesting. Hopefully Umesh and Ishant will get to play on Sunday.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: cleanbowled on December 06, 2013, 03:31:26 AM
I think more often than not on the flatter pitches back home in India, the batting is so strong as to mask the deficiencies in the bowling. Even then you saw that the Aussies ran them pretty close.

I think overseas where often the pitches will have a little more for the fast bowlers, the batting cannot always bridge that gap. The Indian bowling at the death was awful, and they didn't really do much with the new ball either.

The batting should of course improve as the tour goes on. They have a couple of problems though -in Yuvraj and Raina.

Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: sfa82 on December 06, 2013, 08:47:36 AM


Might be needed to be pointed out, India didn't bother with any warm up games. Whilst we played 2 x T20s and 3 x ODIs vs Pakistan.

This was of course their own choice as they opted to have the farewell tour for The Little Master. Their luck of preparation and this first result can only be attributed to their own decisions and choices.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: cesare_in on December 06, 2013, 09:09:27 AM
I think more often than not on the flatter pitches back home in India, the batting is so strong as to mask the deficiencies in the bowling. Even then you saw that the Aussies ran them pretty close.

I think overseas where often the pitches will have a little more for the fast bowlers, the batting cannot always bridge that gap. The Indian bowling at the death was awful, and they didn't really do much with the new ball either.

The batting should of course improve as the tour goes on. They have a couple of problems though -in Yuvraj and Raina.

Bang on!! Pitches are so flat here in India, its not funny anymore.. All the guys who got tons of runs against the WI side are struggling to get even bat on ball. Steyn showed them what real-cricket and fast bowling is about.

Rohit Sharma, Raina cannot play short pitched stuff for nuts. Yuvraj is IMHO down the hill and its just too difficult to expect him to adjust and play in foreign circumstances anymore.

I think they should have picked players (slow batters, test cricketers maybe..) to handle these conditions. Are there any? Your guess is as good as mine..

Only guy who has a semblance of success outside India with the current setup is going to be Kohli. All others are going to be (or have already been) sorted out.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: cleanbowled on December 06, 2013, 10:01:11 AM
Rohit really was made to look a bit amateur at the start, was like he was playing a whole new ball game when Steyn was bowling at him, got cheers just for getting bat to ball. He is very talented though and seems to be stronger mentally, so I think he will get through it.

Kohli looked decent, has the technique and skills to combat SA on these pitches, though very lucky with the drop catch from the keeper. I think in general these guys will have to work out pretty quickly that some of the shots they took for granted back in India are just not going to work in SA.

I think Yuvi is finished, it all looks a bit apathetic from him sometimes these days. Raina is another weak link, though maybe because he can bowl and is a great fielder he has some other ways to contribute. Plus he plays in the Super Kings, so I doubt Dhoni will let him go. Rahane might hopefully get a look in at some stage, I don't really see how he can be any worse than these two.

Bowling - I think Umesh should come back but maybe they are saving him for the tests (I don't really agree with this policy but hey). Hope they don't decide to bring back Ishant or Vinay kumar though, they are as dreadful if not more.

 
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 07, 2013, 01:25:14 AM
This was of course their own choice as they opted to have the farewell tour for The Little Master. Their luck of preparation and this first result can only be attributed to their own decisions and choices.

I'm not sure this is true TBH.

India's board had a hissy fit over Haroon Largat's appointment. And bizarrely dropped a Test match, 4 ODIs and 2 T20s from the tour.

Talk about cutting your nose off to spite your face...

The players, from both sides, wanted the full tour.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: cesare_in on December 07, 2013, 04:05:00 AM
I think India should be touring outside two-thirds of their calendar and playing away from home. This is the only way India is going to feel @ease playing away. Else we are going to be discussing merits or otherwise everytime :D
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 07, 2013, 04:33:22 AM
That would definitely do a world of good for the Indian team..thats the only way they will get better at playing on fast and bouncy pitches.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: CrickFreak on December 07, 2013, 05:34:19 AM
India has been dominant at home but who is not. Take any of the top 4-5 teams, they have not lost home series. There have been few exceptions like England beat India at home was a disgrace. But otherwise every home team generally  dominates at home 9 out of 10 times.
Dont know why it is a huge topic of discussion. India's away record has been dismal but have still retained some top positions in ICC ranking. I dont mean they shouldnt  improve, but also remember, the current team has collectively not played 200 tests... will take time. Bhuvi, Shami etc are talented but they cannot be compared to Styen, Morkel etc. ... it will take time and there will be some tough series ahead..
I think SA should be more worried after losing to Pakistan.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 19, 2013, 10:30:02 AM
Just sat watching the first test. India got blown away this morning.

Last night they was 255 for 5, woke up and 280 all out, and South Africa in batting.

Now India's bowling attack looking very ordinary, and it seems the old guard bowling. Do they have any new bowling talent coming through? Sharma not really cutting it at mo.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Alvaro on December 19, 2013, 10:37:15 AM
Echoes of the Saffer tour here last year - disappointing first day followed up by the business...
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 19, 2013, 11:47:57 AM
Sharma has been poor for a few years now, I don't really see why he's still in the side. The pitch looks tailor made for B Kumar.

SA have the benefit of a settled pace attack that have variety, control and genuine wheels. An Indian tour to SA will always test the minerals of a young Indian batting line up. As always it was a joy to watch Kohli yesterday and hopefully the rest can step up and challenge the SA.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 11:57:10 AM
Sharma has been poor for a few years now, I don't really see why he's still in the side. The pitch looks tailor made for B Kumar.

SA have the benefit of a settled pace attack that have variety, control and genuine wheels. An Indian tour to SA will always test the minerals of a young Indian batting line up. As always it was a joy to watch Kohli yesterday and hopefully the rest can step up and challenge the SA.
Dale Steyn basically talked his pal Ishant Sharma into the side ahead of that 3rd ODI.

Sharma promptly took 4-40 odd and was remarkably accurate and bowled briskly.

Kumar has looked pathetic in the games he played. Bowling 77-80mph cannon fodder.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 11:58:44 AM
As for India's tail getting blown away.

It was overcast this morning plus factor in Sharma, Khan and Mohammad are all true number 11s, they where never going to last against the movement Big Vern was getting.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 19, 2013, 12:03:19 PM
As for India's tail getting blown away.

It was overcast this morning plus factor in Sharma, Khan and Mohammad are all true number 11s, they where never going to last against the movement Big Vern was getting.

True that.

Khan looked like he'd never actually batted before! Shocking shot/movement,




Noticed smiths bats is stickered up as a six6, gunn and Moore still states he uses a argon, yet the bat looks like a really old gm shape, it looks well used to boot to.

I wonder why the six6 players edition is a joe root, and not a smith?
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 12:08:47 PM
True that.

Khan looked like he'd never actually batted before! Shocking shot/movement,




Noticed smiths bats is stickered up as a six6, gunn and Moore still states he uses a argon, yet the bat looks like a really old gm shape, it looks well used to boot to.

I wonder why the six6 players edition is a joe root, and not a smith?
Biff only plays Tests whereas Root plays all three formats probably the deciding factor.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 19, 2013, 12:12:08 PM
Biff only plays Tests whereas Root plays all three formats probably the deciding factor.

Except root used the octane in odi and t20. Six6 is tests only.

Only think gm think they'd sell more six6 players eds in the uk, where's as South Africans prefer other brands?
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 12:17:07 PM
Except root used the octane in odi and t20. Six6 is tests only.

Only think gm think they'd sell more six6 players eds in the uk, where's as South Africans prefer other brands?
Smith - a Test captain
Du Plessis - T20 captain
De Kock - new pin up boy

All use GM, but GM isn't as popular as other brands.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 19, 2013, 12:19:12 PM
Biff only plays Tests whereas Root plays all three formats probably the deciding factor.
Root only uses a Six6 in tests (according to the GM website) so Biff would be the better option surely (with a Joe Root Octane)
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 12:24:18 PM
Root only uses a Six6 in tests (according to the GM website) so Biff would be the better option surely (with a Joe Root Octane)
England average 11 Tests per year

Whereas the Proteas average 6-7.

So Root's going to get more tv time.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 19, 2013, 12:32:34 PM
England average 11 Tests per year

Whereas the Proteas average 6-7.

So Root's going to get more tv time.
Biff bats for longer in those 6-7 though I bet ;)
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 19, 2013, 01:19:48 PM
Biff bats for longer in those 6-7 though I bet ;)


Roots faced 2015 balls to smiths 895 in 2013. Which probably makes gms decision the correct one.


Runs are 823 vs 527 currently(not sure if these stats include recent/current test)




Gerry's observation that England plays more test is a worthy one, as we have been dyer in quite a lot this year, yet still have 4 batsmen in the top 6 runs scored in 2013.
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?class=1;id=2013;type=year (http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?class=1;id=2013;type=year)
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 19, 2013, 01:34:49 PM
Are England the only team that plays a 5 test series? Back to back ashes series in 2013 as well.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 19, 2013, 01:36:37 PM
Are England the only team that plays a 5 test series? Back to back ashes series in 2013 as well.
Whoever England play a 5 test series against also play a 5 test series, so it's not just England  ;)
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 19, 2013, 01:42:10 PM
Whoever England play a 5 test series against also play a 5 test series, so it's not just England  ;)

Face palm.

Asides from England and Australia then.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 01:58:35 PM
The aura looks to be dimming on the magnificent career of Jacques Kallis.

A golden duck takes his 2013 figures to

7 Tests
160 runs @ 16
0 hundreds
2 ducks.

Ishant Sharma, barnet and all, is on fire.

And Khan gets Biff...again.

130-4.

Proteas have lost 3 wickets for 0 runs
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 19, 2013, 02:03:47 PM
It seems i turned over at the wrong tme.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 19, 2013, 02:29:54 PM
146/6


SA faltering big time.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Tumo on December 19, 2013, 02:34:11 PM
Ishant Sharma taking wickets, looking hostile? It's a sign of the apocalypse... It would explain all this rain in England at least!  ;)
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 02:43:03 PM
Getting absolutely mauled here

In his last 10 Tests Sharma was averaging 60 per wicket.

Why's he not donating us some free runs...
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Tail Ender on December 19, 2013, 02:44:37 PM
Sharma on his last warning for running down the pitch in his follow through now.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 19, 2013, 02:45:17 PM
Don't worry, sharma will get wacked. Still got time yet.

India normally struggle to wrap up the tail
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 02:47:58 PM
One thing is also glaringly obvious, the lower middle order has been under performing for a while now.

JP Duminy isn't a Test player, in fact he seems to get worst by the match.

It might be time to get Quinton de Kock in at 7 and to take over the keeping duties as well.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 19, 2013, 02:50:31 PM
Used to like duminy. But I just see him fail again and again at mo. No matter what format,


Get de cock in.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 19, 2013, 02:52:13 PM
One of Duminy, FAF and pieterson could make way for de kock. Very surprised he was not selected
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 02:57:25 PM
One Duminy, FAF and pieterson could make way for de kock. Very surprised he was not selected
De Kock's only being considered as a number 7 and WK.

So he'd replace JP.

Faf's averaging 55, so he's not gonna get dropped.

If Alviro gets dropped, Dean Elgar will replace him
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 19, 2013, 03:00:22 PM
Good comeback from the Indian quicks...its nice to see the lengths they have been bowling..they have realised that they dont need to bowl short pitched deliveries on these pitches..the fuller length deliveries are the ones which get the wickets..hopefully India will close out these last 4 wickets for few runs.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 03:01:34 PM
Ishant now pounds Faf on the elbow!

Looks a different bowler after Steyn's endorsement...
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 19, 2013, 03:04:31 PM
De Kock's only being considered as a number 7 and WK.

So he'd replace JP.

Faf's averaging 55, so he's not gonna get dropped.

If Alviro gets dropped, Dean Elgar will replace him

Don't rate Tahir at all, think the only reason jp continues to get selected is to give the offspin option.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 03:07:26 PM
Don't rate Tahir at all, think the only reason jp continues to get selected is to give the offspin option.
Yeah tell me about it...

Tahir's long hops nearly killed Amla yesterday  :(

And yeah JP's continually spoken of as an 'all rounder', do me a favour...

Batsmanship first job is to get runs.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 19, 2013, 03:14:21 PM
Yeah tell me about it...

Tahir's long hops nearly killed Amla yesterday  :(

And yeah JP's continually spoken of as an 'all rounder', do me a favour...

Batsmanship first job is to get runs.
Tahir's free runs given yesterday could probably be the difference in this match.
Yup JP has too many batting flaws. Nothing in his technique has changed at all to fix them.

Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 19, 2013, 03:39:22 PM
Don't rate Tahir at all, think the only reason jp continues to get selected is to give the offspin option.

I think Tahir's problem is that he gets over excited when playing against Pak and India..he tries too many things like a struggling actor auditioning for a big movie. He should try to settle down first and then try all his variations.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 19, 2013, 03:43:34 PM
Typical dhoni captaincy. Letting easy runs leak. Always struggled to wrap the tail up
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Jason_Yuan on December 19, 2013, 03:47:04 PM
Dont think Tahir worth his place, too ups and downs and he try too many variations, would really like to see de kock coming into the test side, great batsman
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Jason_Yuan on December 19, 2013, 03:49:15 PM
Also anyone surprised by ishant sharma performance recently, one of the top performing bowler for india in the odi n now in test
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 19, 2013, 04:05:27 PM
Also anyone surprised by ishant sharma performance recently, one of the top performing bowler for india in the odi n now in test
Well, he was the laughing stock of the world till recently so yes, a big surprise!! He had the talent but lacked application.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Jason_Yuan on December 19, 2013, 04:15:51 PM
Well, he was the laughing stock of the world till recently so yes, a big surprise!! He had the talent but lacked application.

Very good bowler and finally playing well lol
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 19, 2013, 09:43:28 PM
Thank the heavens firstly Ashwin shelled a dolly of Biff, who went on to add a further 40 odd.

Then thankfully Rohit Sharma dropped a dolly of Faf. Considering how well Faf can bat with the lower order, the Proteas could make the Indians pay.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: cesare_in on December 20, 2013, 05:29:36 AM
Agree.. both these will cost India dear, it looks long like.
From the way Sami bowled, its clear India will need pacers who can bowl at 140+ speed consistently.
 
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 11:20:00 AM
With morkel injured and probably out of this match, tahir's going to have to bowl some proper overs without bowling those pies he normally bowls.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 20, 2013, 11:26:34 AM
With morkel injured and probably out of this match, tahir's going to have to bowl some proper overs without bowling those pies he normally bowls.
Luckily the Proteas have King Kallis able to do a job with the ball. Otherwise the Proteas would be screwed.

India will be licking their lips when the pie chucker comes on...

Looks as though Morne could be out of the series. And we're looking short on fast bowlers...

Kleinveldt, Tsotsobe and McLaren would be likely candidates.

de Lange still can't get to full fitness. And Abbott seems to have fallen out of favour.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 11:33:05 AM
Luckily the Proteas have King Kallis able to do a job with the ball. Otherwise the Proteas would be screwed.

India will be licking their lips when the pie chucker comes on...

Looks as though Morne could be out of the series. And we're looking short on fast bowlers...

Kleinveldt, Tsotsobe and McLaren would be likely candidates.

de Lange still can't get to full fitness. And Abbott seems to have fallen out of favour.

Kallis got the ball talking nicely out there.
Probably be tsotsobe, he always takes wickets against the Indians.

Vijay must be the worst opener ever. He must have some contacts to continuely get selected.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 20, 2013, 11:37:48 AM
Kallis got the ball talking nicely out there.
Probably be tsotsobe, he always takes wickets against the Indians.

Vijay must be the worst opener ever. He must have some contacts to continuely get selected.
Problem with Tsotsobe is he's a one spell bowler.

Plus once the ball gets old, his 126kph bowling is cannon fodder.

For me it would be Ryan McLaren. He's been awesome in ODIs this year. Plus he's got a CSA central Test contract.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 11:54:19 AM
Problem with Tsotsobe is he's a one spell bowler.

Plus once the ball gets old, his 126kph bowling is cannon fodder.

For me it would be Ryan McLaren. He's been awesome in ODIs this year. Plus he's got a CSA central Test contract.


McLaren has the pace and height too. Overs under his belt to last 5 days.

Don't think Kleinveldt and tsotsobe have the fitness for test cricket. And SA can't afford to carry another bowler ontop of Tahir.
Surprised that India have not lost a test at this venue.

Anything around 270 could be interesting.
Smith looks desperate for a breakthrough
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 20, 2013, 11:57:30 AM
What happened to Merchant De Lange?? That guy had some serious pace!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 20, 2013, 11:58:19 AM
About time us English nicked some of these fast bowlers and proclaim them ours.

Pujara is a talented batsman think he one of my favourite around currently
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 12:12:18 PM
First ball massive full toss. Pie chucker
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 20, 2013, 12:16:44 PM
What happened to Merchant De Lange?? That guy had some serious pace!
Fast bowlers nightmare mate

Stress fractures in his back  :(

After 6 months out and another 6 months of cricket, his back still isn't right.

But he's still bowling 150kph
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 12:27:41 PM
Bit embarrassing that Tahir is taken off after 1 over.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 20, 2013, 12:35:25 PM
Fast bowlers nightmare mate

Stress fractures in his back  :(

After 6 months out and another 6 months of cricket, his back still isn't right.

But he's still bowling 150kph

Ohh...thats sad...not as an Indian fan, but sad in general. That guy had serious pace and more importantly bowled those dangerous lengths that could hurt a batsman.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 20, 2013, 12:43:17 PM
Ohh...thats sad...not as an Indian fan, but sad in general. That guy had serious pace and more importantly bowled those dangerous lengths that could hurt a batsman.
Yeah it's pretty disappointing.

MDL has ready missed the trips to Australia, England and UAE. Gonna miss this series against India and probably the Australian series as well.

But he's only 23, so he's still got plenty of time. Unfortunately he was withdrawn from the Titans squad yesterday.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 20, 2013, 12:57:58 PM
Great test cricket this the best bowler in the world against one of the best batsman in pujara steyn is running in with menace
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 01:01:13 PM
Great test cricket this the best bowler in the world against one of the best batsman in pujara steyn is running in with menace

Have to agree with that. Some serious pace from steyn in this spell. Seems to be getting quicker.
Can add Kohli into the mix with his first innings ton

AB should have gone one handed for that catch.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 01:02:09 PM
School boy field for pujara
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 20, 2013, 01:08:03 PM
And now this yeah some balls shown here
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 01:08:31 PM
Bit village from the number 1 team. Ab bowling and Amla keeping.
Reminder of Dhoni in England
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 20, 2013, 01:09:51 PM
Dhoni to be fair is not a bad bowler is is village but takes guts fair play
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: joeljonno on December 20, 2013, 01:12:53 PM
Bit village from the number 1 team. Ab bowling and Amla keeping.
Reminder of Dhoni in England

Didn't AB used to bowl a bit before he took over from Boucher?
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 20, 2013, 01:14:44 PM
Tahir must be feeling great that Ab rather bowl then him.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Jason_Yuan on December 20, 2013, 02:48:33 PM
Tahir really doesnt deserve his place, hilarious how he got taken out haha
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 20, 2013, 03:06:10 PM
Big test for the saffers this, I suppose it highlights how much of a luxury having Kallis bowling to take the workload off the big 3 fast bowlers. Like the commentators said now they have to make do with a similar pace attack to the rest of the world with 3 pace men and 1 spinner.

There has to be a better spinner in the country than Tahir, or Pakistan maybe.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 20, 2013, 09:44:44 PM
So day 3, moving day...

India threw kitchen sink and for good measure the bathtub as well at the Proteas and have seemingly broken and battered the Proteas to the point of no return...

Pujara, this guy is a freak. He's now gone passed 2000 first class runs for 2013 @ 102. In a little bit of form then... 

Kohli, TBH, I thought he was exposed in the ODIs. All mouth no trousers. But he's been pretty awesome thus far. I never thought I'd see an Indian score a hundred in each innings in South Africa but Kohli's 30 odd away from a career defining moment.

It was a shame Big Morne got an unfortunate injury, but that's cricket. We have to suck it up.

Imran Tahir is a disgrace. Total pie chucker. I hope I never see him in Proteas colours again.

I think this pitch is better suited to hit the deck bowlers.

Morkel was pretty much unplayable. Ishant and Khan hit the deck hard. Whereas Steyn and Philander kiss the deck.

I hope in Durban we pick Ryan McLaren and not Rory Kleinveldt.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 20, 2013, 09:49:12 PM
Watched all day and Pujara is a great talent and it was a great dual early on with Steyn the best bowler in the world and Pujara and Kholi.

Agree about Tahir i still think SA can draw this game
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 21, 2013, 10:00:50 AM
Kohli misses out on a deserved ton.
Still plenty in this pitch to keep India interested

JP looks like the number 1 spinner
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 21, 2013, 12:12:59 PM

Kohli, TBH, I thought he was exposed in the ODIs. All mouth no trousers. But he's been pretty awesome thus far. I never thought I'd see an Indian score a hundred in each innings in South Africa but Kohli's 30 odd away from a career defining moment.

I'm not sure how someone with 17 ODI tons and over 5000 runs @ 51 before his 26th birthday can ever be classed as all mouth and no trousers. Kohli arrived some time ago.

Surely Robin Peterson is a better option than Tahir...?
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 21, 2013, 12:16:13 PM
Disappointing that Tahir didn't do his stupid celebration. Don't think he even deserved those 2 wickets the way he bowled

Steyn's worst bowling figures. I'm sure he'll bowl worse and pick up more wickets
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 21, 2013, 12:16:20 PM
It almost funny to see Tahir's muted celebrations!! Pakistani fans must be loving this!! Tahir put in his place by India
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 21, 2013, 12:17:45 PM
Hopefully India can win this but I suspect a draw..
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 21, 2013, 12:24:12 PM
Hopefully India can win this but I suspect a draw..

Looking at rohit's wicket and the uneven bounce today, I don't see it happening. Plenty still left on the wicket. Big hour before tea.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 21, 2013, 02:15:03 PM
I'm not sure how someone with 17 ODI tons and over 5000 runs @ 51 before his 26th birthday can ever be classed as all mouth and no trousers. Kohli arrived some time ago.

Surely Robin Peterson is a better option than Tahir...?
ODI stats mean nothing when playing Test cricket on South African soil.

Look at the ludicrous natural of the ODI pitches in India.

Johnson and McKay, top class ODI bowlers, where getting pummeled mercilessly where Kohli was battering hundreds off 50 balls...

Robin Petersen had a poor match in the UAE and got axed. But he offers more than Tahir
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 21, 2013, 04:56:56 PM
Smith has looked off all test match. Looks like something is going on in the SA set up:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-india-2013-14/content/story/702833.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-india-2013-14/content/story/702833.html)

First time I've seen two wicket keepers bowl in a match.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Steveo1000 on December 22, 2013, 08:40:23 AM
This has the potential with the quality and depth of batting to come, to be one of the most exciting and absorbing test match days in recent history.
So I have one question. Where are all the South African supporters? This sort of thing makes me fear for the future of test match cricket, there are probably 20 times the people watching the Big Bash game.
Any Saffers on here who could shed some light on the woeful support given to your team?
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: 03jaworf on December 22, 2013, 09:20:20 AM
This has the potential with the quality and depth of batting to come, to be one of the most exciting and absorbing test match days in recent history.
So I have one question. Where are all the South African supporters? This sort of thing makes me fear for the future of test match cricket, there are probably 20 times the people watching the Big Bash game.
Any Saffers on here who could shed some light on the woeful support given to your team?

was just wondering the same actually, it looked deserted yesterday!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mk_chappo on December 22, 2013, 09:22:30 AM
Sad to see that few people at at test match of this quality. I have been glued to Sky the last few days. Great bowling / superb test match batting. Wish it were a longer series !
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on December 22, 2013, 10:06:59 AM
Come on the saffas!!! Can't stand India. Pujara is quality though !! Pure class . Kholi is a talented lad but just so stuck up his back passage, which is annoying. Still, I try and always watch any test match innings these have if they are on sky but as someone said.. Don't really care what ODI stiff they have..  Reina has decent ODI stats and he's poo
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 22, 2013, 10:35:12 AM
South Africa could win this. Next session with the new ball could decide the game.
Key partnership this is. Don't trust JP to survive the new ball if he gets In early
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: i12breakfree on December 22, 2013, 11:11:25 AM
Lets GO India.
As said ^^^^ New ball is the key and the odd one keeping real low ;)
It will be a big one for team INDIA
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 22, 2013, 12:34:07 PM
Bit of luck to survive that new ball.

South Africa win or draw looking likely now
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on December 22, 2013, 01:33:40 PM
Very very good game to watch. Wish England could have batted this well 4th innings.

Is it just me though or do South Africa not get new kit till later then UK? Kallis and AB all using last years gear!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: jamielsn15 on December 22, 2013, 01:55:40 PM
Whether they win this or not, i hope England's batsmen are watching this-a master class in how to construct innings and partnerships in the last innings of a test. Superb batting...
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: thecord on December 22, 2013, 02:25:36 PM
Fantastic effort from these two so far, hope they see it through now
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Steveo1000 on December 22, 2013, 03:45:46 PM
Hopefully the South Africans will get roundly booed of the ground by the 250 who turned up. What is the point of this.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 22, 2013, 03:46:45 PM
Don't understand Philanders thought process here. 16 to win from 12 balls and you block out a maiden.

Madness for me. Field is out so you run quick twos minimum.


Terrible climax.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Jason_Yuan on December 22, 2013, 03:51:05 PM
what a test match, only thing dont understand is south africa didnt go for the win in the second last over and gave a maiden to zaheer...
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 22, 2013, 03:51:39 PM
Fear lost out to being a hero i guess orders might have come from elsewhere though
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Leddster138 on December 22, 2013, 03:56:45 PM
What a waste of all that effort. I wonder if they were trying to prove a point to the BCCI that it shouldn't have been a 2 match series. Why risk losing everything in the final two overs
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 22, 2013, 04:09:26 PM
What a waste of all that effort. I wonder if they were trying to prove a point to the BCCI that it shouldn't have been a 2 match series. Why risk losing everything in the final two overs

A valid point if it was 30 off 12 but not 16 off 12. Get the strike over to Steyn and let him play his shots. You can block out maidens when Morkel and Tahir came in.

Ab and Faf must be pretty annoyed.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Alvaro on December 22, 2013, 04:13:47 PM

@ABdeVilliers17: Speechless! Great Test match. Tough getting so close, but @DaleSteyn62 & @VDP_24 made the right call to close down shop. We move to Durbs
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 22, 2013, 04:25:02 PM
Don't believe it that South Africa didn't go for it.
Steyn's last ball shot was clearly in anger.


Smith's captaincy all game has been questionable. Had AB been captain they would have gone for the win. I see smith stepping down.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on December 22, 2013, 05:24:18 PM
A loss wouldnt have affected their test ranking so i dont see why they didnt go for the win after doing the hard yards in getting that close.

With 3 wkts in the hut surely with 3 overs left they could afford to swing the willow and if they lost another one shut up shop. The bowlers were on their (No Swearing Please) by that stage anyway.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mk_chappo on December 23, 2013, 08:44:57 AM
Great test match. Can't believe SA didn't go for it after getting so far.Du Plessis took a gamble on taking that run I can't see while Dale Steyn didn't take a gamble on the third over from the end. A couple of streaky edges and SA would have been home. They still had a couple of wickets left and Morkel can't bat. Perhaps they should have sent him in to have a swing and then had Steyn to shore things up if that didn't work.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: petehosk on December 23, 2013, 09:11:34 AM
Can't believe I missed this, as I was busy in Reading Xmas shopping! Oh the joy!
SA must still have seen that as a win! Even with their batting talent, India were still favourites at the start of day 5.
Well done for both teams for once again proving that Test cricket can be as entertaining as any other formats!!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: cesare_in on December 23, 2013, 09:15:36 AM
Really unfortunate that we did not get a result.

Man.. how can you not go for a win, player injured or otherwise! Shucks
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: jamielsn15 on December 23, 2013, 09:33:14 AM
Such a shame fr me that I had it on all day whilst wrapping presents and generally doing Xmas stuff and the excitement was building as SA edged nearer.

Sadly, by the end my overriding feelings were of anger and disappointment.  Why wouldn't you go for it?  And they wonder why Test cricket is supposedly on the wane!

In order to win you have to be prepared to lose.  Cook would've done the same, I have a feeling Clarke and De Villiers would've gone for the win.  As would I - if you end of losing I feel your reasons for going for the win are entirely justified.  I'm really disappointed.  An opportunity to make history, to shatter India's spirit and to set down a marker worldwide.  All gone because of a fear of losing.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Vic Nicholas on December 23, 2013, 01:05:12 PM
Sa had that in the bag....India were demoralised.

Even after du Plessis was run out, they only needed 16 runs off about 20 balls.

Throw bat man!!!

But no, they shut up shop and forfeited their chance to set a new bench mark and to send shivers of fear down every opponents back.

I was very upset at the end.

Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Byo on December 23, 2013, 01:13:36 PM
Attitudes like that of SA will not do Test Match cricket any favours!!!   

I hope India beat them in the next match and they are all sat there thinking if only...
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on December 23, 2013, 03:15:55 PM
Styen and Philander at the crease.. IF one of them should get out (easily done 'swinging the bat').. who did they have left??

Morkal who couldn't walk - realistically he's not a good batsmen at full fitness let alone on one leg.. = walking wicket

Tahir - Jesus.. this lad makes Monty look world class!!! #VillageNumber11         = walking wicket


so tbh, although it would have been good to go for it and be hero or zero I think they made the sensible choice. They didn't need to win the game so why risk losing it.. Especially to the BCCI load of morons.  Plus, how many wickets were gifted to the Indians.. Kallis.. Amla (dodgy as hell pitch).. Smith, Faf.. Nah, I'm thinking SA will scare enough people already. Miles better than the rest currently.

Impressed by Indian pace bowlers though, they are starting to look respectable.. just a shame about being attached to the BCCI.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 23, 2013, 03:32:25 PM
Sa had that in the bag....India were demoralised.

Even after du Plessis was run out, they only needed 16 runs off about 20 balls.

Throw bat man!!!

But no, they shut up shop and forfeited their chance to set a new bench mark and to send shivers of fear down every opponents back.

I was very upset at the end.


Spot on Vic, no one should be applauding them for being negative. The Aussies would've gone for it in a heartbeat. Win at all costs.

If England did this we would be slaughtered in the press.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Sam on December 23, 2013, 03:39:47 PM
Tahir - Jesus.. this lad makes Monty look world class!!! #VillageNumber11         = walking wicket

I always thought he was a bit of an all rounder  :o. Hampshire sent him in at 3 once in a T20 match  :-[!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Byo on December 23, 2013, 03:50:05 PM

Spot on Vic, no one should be applauding them for being negative. The Aussies would've gone for it in a heartbeat. Win at all costs.

If England did this we would be slaughtered in the press.

So true!!!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: joeljonno on December 23, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Tahir - Jesus.. this lad makes Monty look world class!!! #VillageNumber11         = walking wicket
 

At batting AND bowling at the moment.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Vic Nicholas on December 24, 2013, 03:31:45 AM
If England did this we would be slaughtered in the press.

Exactly.

Fleet Street would have been baying for the captains blood.

I cannot understand why you would forgo the opportunity to win. SA were not 9 wickets down after all. Irrespective of what people say of Morkel and Tahir's batting, three wickets were in hand, and 20 balls were left...instead, Steyn left a whole over of balls outside off stump...even though there were no slips in place!?!

Man, I was so disappointed that negativity had crept in after a day of positive cricket.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: CrickFreak on December 24, 2013, 06:02:06 PM
I think SA tail did the right thing. Expecting tail enders which includes Tahir and Morne with only one functional leg to finish a test match is unfair.
Had the SA tail tried to win and had lost the game, everyone would have said SA could have managed a draw which i think is a good result from SA standpoint after being dominated by India for almost 12 sessions out of 15. To draw would be the first priority in such situations.
This was not an ODI, it was last session of 5th day of a test match which was played with lot of intensity. Your body and mind is drained off every bit that is left.
As AB said in the conference, it should have been Faf, JP or himself not the tail.
I think India should be disappointed by managing just a draw.

But very impressed by the way India played. Played completely opposite to the way they would play in home conditions. And to show that kind of turnaround in a very short time by an inexperienced side is commendable.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on December 24, 2013, 06:08:19 PM
Bit surprised that no one has mentioned the lack of reverse swing for Indian bowlers in the second innings despite favourable conditions as the pitch got drier. Most of the success Indian bowlers have got in the recent times is due to their excellent ability to reverse swing the old ball. This pitch was more suited to seam bowling who could hit the deck and get use of those cracks. Unfortunately with the exception of Shami none had the pace or pitched the ball in the right lengths( 6 -8 ft) from the stumps. They kept on pitching the ball full in hope to get conventional or reverse swing but could not get any success. Instead SA batsmen feasted on these over pitch deliveries. Would love to know your thoughts behind lack of reverse swing in the second innings..
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: CrickFreak on December 24, 2013, 07:12:22 PM
I was more surprised by Shami not bowling for almost 3 hours. :D Zaheer was clearly tired... Shami could have troubled the SA batters with reverse or no reverse swing.
The 5th day pitch was more like day one pitch of Mumbai. And the lack of experience was clearly showing in the bowling department when the conditions changed. Even AB acknowledged that it slowed down.
One reason of bowling full could be that they got spanked in ODIs by bowling back of length like they do in India.  :D
But i dont think there was conventional late/reverse swing during the whole test match. I didnt see every over bowled, so could be wrong.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on December 25, 2013, 07:12:38 AM
Ball was reversing in the first innings of SA as they cleaned up the middle order of SA pretty cheaply.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 26, 2013, 12:45:03 PM
Have the South african's really asked for pitches like this. Slow and flat
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 26, 2013, 12:53:46 PM
Pujara wow what a class act so looking forward to watching him in England
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 26, 2013, 01:39:57 PM
Pujara wow what a class act so looking forward to watching him in England

Looks a class above. Scoring heaps and just seems to have that steady unflappable technique.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on December 26, 2013, 03:38:14 PM
Have the South african's really asked for pitches like this. Slow and flat

Will watch the test later but if they have then that is suicide! :( if they keep it bouncy and fast India on,y have 2 batsmen capable rather than 7.. Fools
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 26, 2013, 04:00:05 PM
Rubbish India are better than that mate.

There batting has come on they struggle with bowling but to say only 2 of there players can play pace is laughable.

Best batting side currently in world cricket with there hosts i think.

Agree sightly with pitches but to say India can't handle pace is a big old school they have players who can and are as good as any..

Not many out there who can handle Steyn, Johnson type rockets at best of time
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: CrickFreak on December 26, 2013, 04:14:43 PM
I think they explained why the pitch is drier than normal because of lack or rain which was expected 2-3 days prior to the start of the test match.

But it is not that flat. There was nice carry and bounce and the ball beat the edge a few times as well.
I think we dont give enough credit where its due. Any pitch looks flat when the batsmen score runs. If you watch carefully, the Indian batsmen were moving well and watching the ball so well that the pitch looked flat.

I watched the England batting on day 1 at MCG. The English batters were not moving at all, especially Root. The conditions in Kingsmead were quite similar, but the difference is the positive approach of Indian top order, showed lot of intent and more importantly the technic was much better.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: swamidude on December 26, 2013, 04:19:12 PM
It's quite remarkable how this month has brought about so many turnarounds. I (as an Indian fan) fully expected England to be scoring 500+ on the flat Australian tracks and India to have been bowled out within 2 sessions in each of their innings! I reckon India's tour over here next Summer will be an absolute cracker.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 26, 2013, 09:31:10 PM
Quite incredible is this chap Pujara. Gets runs by the bucket load. Unlike Dravid, he seems to be able to go through the gears and pick up the RR at will.

Pretty disappointing with how the Proteas have bowled though. Can't believe Kyle Abbott didn't get a gig at his home ground...

Robbie Peterson isn't gonna challenge these India's in a month of Sundays...
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: CrickFreak on December 26, 2013, 09:53:38 PM
Quite incredible is this chap Pujara. Gets runs by the bucket load. Unlike Dravid, he seems to be able to go through the gears and pick up the RR at will.


Agree. Pujara has scored loads in domestic circuit, has temparament to bat for hours. He is a orthodox number 3 who can anchor one end and bat on session after session. Lucky MS, keeps finding great talent and knows how to nurture these youngsters and make them confortable.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: procricket on December 26, 2013, 09:57:18 PM
The thing that i like about Pujara and commented to a mate today was on telly alone he has no weaknesses Steyn round the wicket he handled i think he could be a great.

He does not seem to posses a weakness.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: joeljonno on December 26, 2013, 10:02:06 PM
The thing that i like about Pujara and commented to a mate today was on telly alone he has no weaknesses Steyn round the wicket he handled i think he could be a great.

He does not seem to posses a weakness.

It will be interesting to see how he handles the English climate. From what I have seen so far, I think he will, but it will certainly be a different challenge.

A weakness will be found eventually, otherwise Don's 99.94 may be in danger.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 27, 2013, 11:21:45 AM
So after 62 wicket less overs, Dale Steyn comes alive and takes 3 in 12 balls.

Steyn is on absolute fire!

Must be angry that Big Vern took his number 1 ranking! ;)
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: wcc on December 27, 2013, 11:24:30 AM
So after 62 wicket less overs, Dale Steyn comes alive and takes 3 in 12 balls.

Steyn is on absolute fire!

Must be angry that Big Vern took his number 1 ranking! ;)
No better sight in world cricket than watching Steyn steam in!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: swamidude on December 27, 2013, 11:38:43 AM
I cringed at that leave from Rohit  :(
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 27, 2013, 01:58:29 PM
No one backing up steyn's spell. Don't know why South Africa went with spin after tea.
Let the advantage slip. Was a chance of knocking them over cheaply and batting big.

Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: uknsaunders on December 27, 2013, 02:29:35 PM
And then they take one with spin....

Sent from my Lenovo B6000-F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 27, 2013, 02:35:12 PM
And then they take one with spin....

Sent from my Lenovo B6000-F using Tapatalk

After steyn came back to break the partnership
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: petehosk on December 27, 2013, 02:55:19 PM
Vern taking the No. 1 bowling slot? I would pick Steyn over Vern every day of the week and twice on Sundays!
Mind you.......the 3 of them are on fire with Stryn, Vern and Morkle!! And Kallis to back them up for this test at least! That's some firepower!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Kulli on December 27, 2013, 03:07:27 PM
Be much tough on all 3 once kallis goes, especially given their lack of a spinner worth picking,
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mo_town on December 27, 2013, 03:29:57 PM
With all due respect to Dale Steyn, he was gifted wickets by the Indian batsmen and he got lucky with a couple down the leg side..he has toiled hard and got lucky..none of the batsmen really seemed troubled by him.

Strange approach by Dhoni...he batted like he was trying to set a 4th innings target for SA..
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 28, 2013, 02:32:16 AM
Hopefully the Proteas can up the RR on day 3.

The Indians still seem heavy legged after their Jo'Burg epic bowling stint.

I think there's a realistic chance of the Protead scoring over 400 on day 3.

Then unleash Steyn on the Indians again.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on December 28, 2013, 10:43:39 AM
With all due respect to Dale Steyn, he was gifted wickets by the Indian batsmen and he got lucky with a couple down the leg side..he has toiled hard and got lucky..none of the batsmen really seemed troubled by him.

Strange approach by Dhoni...he batted like he was trying to set a 4th innings target for SA..

Not like the Indian bowlers huh who always take their wickets rather than be gifted them???  Oh wait
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: swamidude on December 28, 2013, 11:59:18 AM
Not like the Indian bowlers huh who always take their wickets rather than be gifted them???  Oh wait

You need to calm down a bit, you make your dislike of Indians very clear and there's no need to keep banging your drum. Nobody said the Indian bowlers were any better.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 28, 2013, 12:23:43 PM
Hope Kallis gets a 100 in his final game. Would be fitting
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 28, 2013, 01:31:20 PM
Dhoni's captaincy is pretty poor. Overcast, light fading and behind in the game, yet no new ball.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: The_Bird on December 28, 2013, 01:53:05 PM
Umpires have probably said 'take the new ball and we go off for light'.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 28, 2013, 08:05:20 PM
JP Duminy living on borrowed time...

Yet another inept performance and still woeful against spin...

After this Test, I'd like to see Faf move up to 4. Don't get why he's at 7. He's averaging 60+.

I'd like McLaren to come in at 7. With Philander and Robin Peterson at 8 and 9, that's a lot of batting.

Then either Elgar, Miller or de Kock to replace Duminy.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 29, 2013, 09:29:27 AM
so, the ball is now 130 odd overs old, and looking very very soft, and dog chewed? is this merely a tactic to stem south africas scoring?(and inevitabley a draw) as I cant see the ball going anywhere if you tried to smash it.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: cleanbowled on December 29, 2013, 09:47:49 AM
Yeah seems like Dhoni has gone with slowing the run rate down to chew up time. Can't say it I like it necessarily but I can see where he is coming from. I think if he was going to be aggressive, he should have taken the new ball at the start of the day and looked to get some wickets. At this stage with SA in the lead, his strategy will slow down the scoring. From India's perspective a drawn series will still be viewed almost like a win. They have managed to get Jacques out.

I can't blame him too much, Zaheer and Ishant have been pretty ordinary in this match. Shami looks real good for India though. With Jadeja bowling well and tying up one end, I can see MS's logic.

Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: csnew on December 29, 2013, 12:51:14 PM
The new ball should have been taken last night when it was overcast and cloudy.
Think SA should get a lead of 200 and look to pick up a couple of Wickets tonight if they get back on.

Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: sgcricket on December 30, 2013, 08:47:37 AM
South Africa should win this from here on. Bad luck for Virat but Pujara got an unplayable delivery.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: mk_chappo on December 30, 2013, 09:01:45 AM
No price India from here. Just gutted that this will be the end of a very promising series. How can it be that we are having 2 test series between major test playing nations?
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 30, 2013, 09:20:54 AM
Rahane and dhoni rescue mission here.


I really liked rahane, looks a good allround player(his ipl form is phenomenal)
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: iand123 on December 30, 2013, 09:48:08 AM
No price India from here. Just gutted that this will be the end of a very promising series. How can it be that we are having 2 test series between major test playing nations?

Because it's the BCCI's ball and if they decide they don't want to play anymore everyone has to fall in line. It's a very dangerous precedent if you ask me
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 30, 2013, 10:04:17 AM
Rahanes second 50 off the game, well batted. and again he's running out of partners.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: Gerry SA on December 30, 2013, 11:58:20 AM
The great Dale Steyn picks up Test wicket number 350.

The second fastest in a Test history, only thr Sri Lankan wizard got there quicker.

All time great.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 30, 2013, 12:06:18 PM
Shot Rahane!
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: joeljonno on December 30, 2013, 12:11:33 PM
Shot Rahane!

Batted well.

Would like to see a wicket so Kallis gets one last innings.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 30, 2013, 12:16:56 PM
Batted well.

Would like to see a wicket so Kallis gets one last innings.
He did bat well, shame to get out like that on 96!

No chance if Kallis opening then??
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: smilley792 on December 30, 2013, 12:18:39 PM
gutted. wanted a him to get his ton. 6 over cover was sweet though.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: joeljonno on December 30, 2013, 12:24:38 PM
Would have been nice, he deserved it.

Graeme Smith uses a left handed bat. I always wondered about those GMs.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 30, 2013, 12:27:40 PM
Would have been nice, he deserved it.

Graeme Smith uses a left handed bat. I always wondered about those GMs.
What do you mean a left handers bat?? (Sorry for being thick but it looks normal to me)   ???
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 30, 2013, 12:31:58 PM
Stickers! I see what you mean now!  :-[
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: joeljonno on December 30, 2013, 12:38:53 PM
Stickers! I see what you mean now!  :-[

Yep,other way round to right handers so flat bat shots still have GM right way up.
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: FvanN on December 30, 2013, 02:19:03 PM
Great win and fantastic way to send the king off. Now just to show you English boys how its done against the Aussies
Title: Re: South Africa v India
Post by: cleanbowled on December 30, 2013, 02:39:35 PM
I think India did pretty well on the tour all things considered, but disappointed with their batting in this match, particularly lower down the order, really thought they could hang on for a draw. Rohit Sharma has been pretty poor in SA on the whole, but I am hopeful he will come out a much better player for it and think he should be given a few more chances yet given his talent. Dhawan also fared poorly, and I am sure he will also benefit in the medium to long term.

Rahane did brilliantly, and am very pleased, ran out of partners in both innings. This should cement his spot in the test side. Pujara is a class act and looks to be the foundation for the batting lineup along with Kohli. I think the bowling was disappointing and still remains a weak point.

SA played well and deserved their victory, salute to King Kallis and also to Dale Steyn on getting his 350th wickets -second quickest of all time, and already an all time great. The Aussie vs SA series is going to be fantastic and am looking forward to it.