Custom Bats Cricket Forum
General Cricket => Latest Matches => Topic started by: FvanN on February 12, 2014, 08:13:13 AM
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With the first test just about to start I thought I would throw this up and see what people thought the final outcome would be.?
Naturally I'm going for the World Number One team to win the series 3-0
First test is being played 2 blocks away from where I grew up and is where I spent a lot of my time as a kid chasing pro's for signatures and bits of kit.
One thing I cant get over is that it would only cost about £6 for a good seat in the grandstand :o
Could have done with a months holiday back home about now
#Pureprotea
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2-1 to South Africa
The early Warner wicket is going to slow Australia's scoring this morning.
The debutant is in... Good luck Doolan!
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2down for aus.
Whys Clarke back at 5, and let the two new guys(marsh newish) in together this early?
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With the first test just about to start I thought I would throw this up and see what people thought the final outcome would be.?
Naturally I'm going for the World Number One team to win the series 3-0
First test is being played 2 blocks away from where I grew up and is where I spent a lot of my time as a kid chasing pro's for signatures and bits of kit.
One thing I cant get over is that it would only cost about £6 for a good seat in the grandstand :o
Your an international captain, you'll probably play for England! :D
Clarke is leading from the front or is a genius!
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In australia - fox sports is the only channel showing this?
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2down for aus.
Whys Clarke back at 5, and let the two new guys(marsh newish) in together this early?
Thinking! Could it be to keep the left, right hand combination?
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you can listen to this on http://www.southafrica.listenradios.com/radio-2000-live-streaming/ (http://www.southafrica.listenradios.com/radio-2000-live-streaming/)
sounds like a quality morning's cricket
Why has Clarke gone back to hiding at 5?
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Been a little disappointed with the Proteas bowling thus far...
Bowling too short.
McLaren has improved vastly in recent years and deserved to earn his second Test cap. He's bowling around 8-10kph quicker and swings the ball away as well.
Clarke at 5? Hiding from Steyn and Morkel first spells...
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Is it on Sky over here?
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In australia - fox sports is the only channel showing this?
As far as I know mate - watching it on fox right now. Fox Sports 3
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Clarke still using old faithful too
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Is it on Sky over here?
Yes I'm sat watching.
83for3 at dinner, who's session? I'd say Sa edging it, but South Africa have let them off the hook!
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If Hashim had have held the chance of Marsh, if was very tough one, I think we could've had Australia 5 down at lunch.
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Is it on Sky over here?
Yes, Sky Sports 2.
Clarke averages 28 at 4 and even less at 3. Batting at 5 is where he scores his runs, he's been basically batting at 3 for most of the last two years due to Australia not having a settled top order. You could've put money on Rodgers going at short leg early on and Warner bats with little care so he'll always be in early.
Winning the toss and putting Australia in, I'd say SA will be disappointed with the session.
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Brilliant bowling from steyn. Clarke again to the short ball
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SA in front slightly now...
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Steyn you ripper!
PS please go easy on the fist pumps...
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Steyn looked pumped up there,
Clarke fails again, how long till his form is questioned?
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Steyn you ripper!
PS please go easy on the fist pumps...
Ha ha , how much did he like that!
He looked a tad unhinged there for a second or two...
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Steyn looked pumped up there,
Clarke fails again, how long till his form is questioned?
Maybe until someone else averages 50?
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Ha ha , how much did he like that!
He looked a tad unhinged there for a second or two...
Yeah lol Steyn's in the zone now!
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Just saw Clarke being given not out a few minutes back to a lbw appeal. And now he's out :o.. how did he get out?
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Yeah lol Steyn's in the zone now!
Ha ha, heck, what will he do for the next wicket?
Surely he could pull out the lawnmower!
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Just saw Clarke being given not out a few minutes back to a lbw appeal. And now he's out :o.. how did he get out?
Top edged a hook...
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caught at fine leg
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Aus looking to do to Peterson what they did to swan! ATTACK!
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Bowling Petersen seems like it is just releasing the pressure that SA had built so well.
What does everybody think is a good first innings score for Aus here on this track? The pitch looks a bit lifeless once the ball gets old.
Will the pitch wear much? Will batting last on this track be difficult?
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I agree. The wicket looks lifeless and SA seems to have done well so far.. It looks like its going to get slower and lower as the game progresses.
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Decent 50 from Marsh, hopefully he can keep working hard and go on with it...
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Marsh seems to be repaying the selectors' faith in his ability with a solid knock so far. Hope he can go on with it.
Doolan looked promising but got bogged down and got himself out... But there's a bit of class about him.
1st day looks pretty even after 2 sessions.
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All even so far... Roll on the 3rd session..
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Really good and well deserved hundred from Marsh. Great to see him perform and repay the faith of the selectors.
Good innings so far from Smith as well, a well composed 50. It has been a great partnership between Marsh and Smith so hopefully they both continue on and take Australia to a strong position...
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big punt taken by the selectors pays off. Good knock by Marsh
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well batter shaun marsh. excellent ton.
he doesn't seem fit though. hope he doesn't jeapodise rest of tour.
well batted smith lovely fifty.
him and aus so far looking good.
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Marsh and Smith batted really well today - Smith especially looks like he has spent a lot of time in the nets working on his game because he seemed a lot more able to focus that hyperactivity today; he left the ball well, and seemed more able to pick his balls on off stump.
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Watched a bit earlier on and Marsh looked a bit streaky and looked like he was struggling a bit, obviously got his head down and batted well for his ton. Will have to catch the highlights tonight
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Aussies looking very good at the moment. Super partnership. :(
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Picking 20 wickets to win seems difficult on this wicket..
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Poor wicket prepared by South Africa, no pace at all in it. Draw looks on the cards
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I know it's only the first innings, but its funny to see Haddin go from the best form of his life, to going for a duck off average spin bowling!
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Great to see Marshy deliver! Dools looked good as well. 400 plus on the cards. Australia's batting inconsistent, hopefully this can build to the consistency the bowlers are achieving.
Better still hopefully really competitive cricket!
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Marsh looked patient and has absolutely made the most of his chance!
I persoanlly think that having Marsh and Hughes at 3 and 4 would be better than Marsh and Doolan?
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I haven't seen Hughes much of late, but weren't there concerns about his technique at Test level?
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With Watson injured I think it would be a good time to put him in and see how he does against this strength of bowling attack!
I can't see him getting a chance once Watson is back, especially as Marsh has stepped up and delivered! And his FC stats are impressive enough to warrant a run in the team IMO.
But I guess they have looked a Doolan and been more impressed with him??
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On This coverage they said Doolan was a left field pick like micheal Vaughan. Not great fc stats, but looks like he could succeed at this level.
Anyway, it's Mitchell Johnston time! Are the Aussie attack good enough to compete with the South Africans?
Will they get blown away with pace?
Or will sout Africa cruise to a good score and make England look every bit as dire as they was!
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A lot better, tighter bowling display today by the Proteas.
Dale Steyn, under the weather, still bags 4 wickets.
Vernon Philander was pretty disappointing. The Pro played T20 for the Cobras in the run up to this series and it effects his length in Test cricket.
Morkel was hostile.
McLaren was hot and cold. TBH I think Parnell should be picked for his left arm option.
Robin Peterson was pretty average yesterday, a little better today.
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I'm amazed Mclaren plays test cricket, he's come along way from being Kent's overseas pro
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Based on averages that's an impressive top 5 for SA.
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Some ball by Johnson. Smith's struggles against left armers continues
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Nasty bouncer by Johnson there.. wow
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Decent bouncer from the MoMan.
Think Biff will be disappointed. He could've got under it instead of sparring at it.
Hash under pressure and short of runs in recent times...
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Hostile!
Smith looked like he was wanting to be on top of the ball and be commanding, and at the last minute thought "craaapppp"
Good catch.
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MJ seems to bowl well with the facial hair!
Maybe it's his lucky charm? Or maybe just superstitious? But whatever the case, I reckon he'll be growing one before each Test!! ;)
Evidently his missus made him shave it off as he looks like a pr1ck with it! But it seems to be working and his teammates won't let him shave with the wickets he's taking!
Smith was a brute of a ball...very impressive! Petersen wicket wasn't special but I always think that Petersen is the weakest link in the batting line-up anyway.
Hope Amla stays in as he is one of my favourite batsman to watch once he gets going!
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Impressive batting order but there is still a Kallis sized hole. What SA would give to have Kallis walking in with Amla in this situation. With ABDV still to come!
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MJ seems to bowl well with the facial hair!
Maybe it's his lucky charm? Or maybe just superstitious? But whatever the case, I reckon he'll be growing one before each Test!! ;)
Evidently his missus made him shave it off as he looks like a pr1ck with it! But it seems to be working and his teammates won't let him shave with the wickets he's taking!
Smith was a brute of a ball...very impressive! Petersen wicket wasn't special but I always think that Petersen is the weakest link in the batting line-up anyway.
Hope Amla stays in as he is one of my favourite batsman to watch once he gets going!
Jean-Paul Duminy is the weak link mate
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So 3 down, all to Johnson...
Time for Hash and AB to smash it!
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Johnson on fire!!
Surely root did a better job vs johnson than SA are doing? He faced atleast 80 balls each innings for his low scores.........
And SA are at home!
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Another brutal ball from Johnson.
Anyone know what brand bat FAF was using?
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Johnston on fire!!
Surely root did a better job vs johnston than SA are doing? He faced atleast 80 balls each innings for his low scores.........
And SA are at home!
Johnson had 5 Tests to get into the zone and is carrying on in that form.
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Great start with the ball by the Aussies. Johnson is on fire!!
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Another brutal ball from Johnson.
Anyone know what brand bat FAF was using?
A ugly one!
There's a thread somewhere on here regarding, but there just his old gms re stickered.
Amla miss judging another duck? Strange!
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Makes Englands hopeless batting all winter look slightly less embarassing.
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It's all Johnson at the moment!
I still think he's an absolute pr1ck! He got Faf and ran in right to his face! You just won the battle with the batsman so go and celebrate!! No need to get in their face like he does!
Johnson bowling well though! Harris is backing him up well.
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Which makes spelling Johnson a bit bizarre.
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Makes Englands hopeless batting all winter look slightly less embarassing.
Lol :D :D
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It's all Johnson at the moment!
I still think he's an absolute pr1ck! He got Faf and ran in right to his face! You just won the battle with the batsman so go and celebrate!! No need to get in their face like he does!
Johnson bowling well though! Harris is backing him up well.
You must think James Anderson is an absolute tool then.
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Our two best batsmen in now and I feel the majority of our first innings runs needs to come from this partnership.
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4 down, SA in deep trouble now
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With the first test just about to start I thought I would throw this up and see what people thought the final outcome would be.?
Naturally I'm going for the World Number One team to win the series 3-0
First test is being played 2 blocks away from where I grew up and is where I spent a lot of my time as a kid chasing pro's for signatures and bits of kit.
One thing I cant get over is that it would only cost about £6 for a good seat in the grandstand :o
Could have done with a months holiday back home about now
#Pureprotea
Did I say SA to win 3-0 ??? What I ment to say was Aussie to win 3-0
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All the talk about wicket being lifeless goes out the window now.
Didn't see Aussies bat, but looks like they tackled Steyn pretty well.
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You must think James Anderson is an absolute tool then.
Watching Anderson - he goes off running and if he gets agressive then he is very rarely even looking at the batsman!
He occasionally has words if he's having a real battle but thats all.
Where Johnson runs up and stares at the batsman after just about every ball! And if the batsman dares to say anything then he gets ultra agressive and in their face!
And Johnson gets totally in their face! The only total tool is the person who comes up with this comparison in the first place!
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All the talk about wicket being lifeless goes out the window now.
Didn't see Aussies bat, but looks like they tackled Steyn pretty well.
Dale Steyn's not fully fit, so hardly a true comparison.
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SA will need something similar to what Marsh and Smith managed to pull off to get close here. Johnson doing really well again.
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Dale Steyn's not fully fit, so hardly a true comparison.
He is sick. But still took four poles.
Class bowler.
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He is sick. But still took four poles.
Class bowler.
True, but also a little concerning.
We need to get Marchant de Lange fully fit ASAP. He's like a hybrid of Steyn and Morne
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Marchant de Lange could be a superstar if he stays on the park.
Has height, pace, bounce and accuracy.
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Watching Anderson - he goes off running and if he gets agressive then he is very rarely even looking at the batsman!
He occasionally has words if he's having a real battle but thats all.
Where Johnson runs up and stares at the batsman after just about every ball! And if the batsman dares to say anything then he gets ultra agressive and in their face!
And Johnson gets totally in their face! The only total tool is the person who comes up with this comparison in the first place!
Try opening both eyes instead of just one.
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ABD looking class out there at the moment. Classy straight drive
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Try opening both eyes instead of just one.
I realise that Anderson does get drawn into arguments when he shouldn't.
But watch most of his dismissals. Then watch Johnson who is almost as bad as Andre Nel!
I'm not the one who needs to open their eyes. Try taking your nose out of Johnsons ar5e and realise that he is far too 'in your face!'
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Makes you wonder though. Take Johnson out of the attack and what is Australia left with? His pace and aggression gives the other bowlers room to breathe...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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To be fair, Harris is decent and Siddle can be good! Don't rate Lyons and never have done, although he does a decent holding job.
But where Aus are good at the moment is in their depth! They seem to have a far deeper wealth of pace bowlers than normal these days!!
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Re: Steyn, it I had the Mumbai monsters and still took 4 wickets I would be pretty stoked! When Steyn is 100% he is every bit as aggressive and devastating as Johnson.
The bloke with one knee is a pretty tidy bowler... I suspect one of Starc, Cummins, Pattison, Faulkner etc could come in a do a job.
How good is DeVilliers seeing it today... like a beach ball ha ha. His Kahuna is a strange shape... looks more like a Bubble!
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I think where Australia are good at the moment is keeping three excellent seamers and a decent spinner that are winning you games on the park. No need for depth at the moment, it's just window dressing. Always easy to espouse the abilities of reserves when you don't actually need them isn't it?
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De villiers does look every bit as good as his ranking suggests today,
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I think where Australia are good at the moment is keeping three excellent seamers and a decent spinner that are winning you games on the park. No need for depth at the moment, it's just window dressing. Always easy to espouse the abilities of reserves when you don't actually need them isn't it?
That is very true.
Depth players always look great when they are not actually playing.
Just ask the much vaunted Tremlett, Rankin, Meaker, Dernbach, Overton etc who have all been touted as champions that "would walk into any side in the world except our own".
It is fair to say Johnson makes this attack dangerous, Harris is quality and Siddle is just a work horse.
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De villiers does look every bit as good as his ranking suggests today,
de Villiers is all class.
What a player.
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We will also get to see how good Lyon is as a genuine 4th bowler. If SA can get on top of him early the Australian attack loses it's potency for me.
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Has anybody else noticed the number of times the keeper has been beaten for height in this match?
Haddin twice and DeVilliers 3 times...
This pitch must be a bit two paced (maybe harder and bouncer at one end?)
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We will also get to see how good Lyon is as a genuine 4th bowler. If SA can get on top of him early the Australian attack loses it's potency for me.
Boyce and Muirhead are snapping at his heals too.
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Muirhead will play a test match this year! I'll put money on it.
And if he makes it to be the main test bowler, he won't be a defensive spinner to tie an end up, he will be a Shane warne esque attacking bowler that take wickets!
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Muirhead will play a test match this year! I'll put money on it.
And if he makes it to be the main test bowler, he won't be a defensive spinner to tie an end up, he will be a Shane warne esque attacking bowler that take wickets!
Yes... but he will also bowl at least one full bunger an over as well...
Legspinners... the definition of inconsistent!
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Muirhead will play a test match this year! I'll put money on it.
And if he makes it to be the main test bowler, he won't be a defensive spinner to tie an end up, he will be a Shane warne esque attacking bowler that take wickets!
I hate T20. But if it wasn't for T20 we would not yet have heard of Muirhead who was about 4th in line spin bowler in Victoria.
Having seen him, I think he will usurp Lyon sooner rather than later.
Has weapons.
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Yes... but he will also bowl at least one full bunger an over as well...
Legspinners... the definition of inconsistent!
Currently eyes, but he's 20 and has plaited more internationals than he has fc games! He has a lot to learn.
Didn't he tear England apart in the presidents xi?
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Really poor shot from duminy
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What a catch!
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What the heck - totally unnecessary by Duminy
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What the heck - totally unnecessary by Duminy
Considering he was beaten the ball before when he came down the wicket... obviously Duminy is not a big thinker
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Well, well, well
Jean Paul Duminy and off break bowling continued to be a marriage made in hell...
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Marchant de Lange could be a superstar if he stays on the park.
Has height, pace, bounce and accuracy.
Problem is Vic, MdL has no confidence in god body post injury.
He's still bowling 150kph but barely playing.
Such a shame
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To be fair, that was a quality catch!
The bowling was average, the shot wasn't great, but the catch was superb.
You can't keep him out of this match! If he's not taking wickets by bowling, then he's taking catches like that! It's that facial hair.....everyone knows! It obviously gives him super powers ;)
It rests on AB with this match....tons of pressure. And if they get AB, and SA don't reach the follow-on target, what does Clarke do? Make them follow on or make them bat on days 4/5?
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Problem is Vic, MdL has no confidence in god body post injury.
He's still bowling 150kph but barely playing.
Such a shame
He lost his faith in God?
I always thought that Afrikaaners are deeply religious?
So sad that he has had so much injury, because like Patrick Cummins, de Lange provides an exhilarating glimpse into the fast bowling future.
I hope he comes back better than ever.
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Clarke would never enforce the follow on...
In modern cricket it isn't done... also post VVS Laxman, Australians in particular never enforce.
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He lost his faith in God?
I always thought that Afrikaaners are deeply religious?
So sad that he has had so much injury, because like Patrick Cummins, de Lange provides an exhilarating glimpse into the fast bowling future.
I hope he comes back better than ever.
I'm not sure mate.
But I've just seen Bombay have signed him in the IPL. So hopefully 8 weeks with Shaun Pollock will get him back to his best.
I'm looking forward to the day MdL and Cummins play in the same Test!
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Clarke would never enforce the follow on...
In modern cricket it isn't done... also post VVS Laxman, Australians in particular never enforce.
You don't wanna enforce it in back to back tests anyway. Give your men a rest! And keep the oppo in the field for as long as possible!
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It can back fire either way. Look at NZ recently, nearly snatching defeat from a 300 run first innings lead...
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Proteas gotta ensure we avoid the follow on.
Anything can happen in the third dig
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I don't think Clarke will enforce either if it comes to it - I think as a strategy they like to rest the bowlers and have them rearing to go after a break while the batsmen go out again - I think the underlying thinking is also that it will prevent bowlers from breaking down, which has been a big problem for the Aussies in the recent past.
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To be fair, that was a quality catch!
The bowling was average, the shot wasn't great, but the catch was superb.
You can't keep him out of this match! If he's not taking wickets by bowling, then he's taking catches like that! It's that facial hair.....everyone knows! It obviously gives him super powers ;)
It rests on AB with this match....tons of pressure. And if they get AB, and SA don't reach the follow-on target, what does Clarke do? Make them follow on or make them bat on days 4/5?
It was a good catch, but it's always a matter of time until Duminy loses the plot against an off spinner...
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I do sometimes wonder what happened to JP, remember all that promise he showed on debut in Australia, he was then promising to be next big thing in world cricket, hasn't quite panned out.
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I do sometimes wonder what happened to JP, remember all that promise he showed on debut in Australia, he was then promising to be next big thing in world cricket, hasn't quite panned out.
Bit like Raina, doesn't fancy the short stuff.
If you've got pace and you bomb him, his footwork goes to pieces.
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What a ripper delivery
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The facial hair super power strikes again!
Good day for Mitch!!
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You would think though that these guys could sort it out. I haven't followed JP's career as closely, but Raina has had troubles for years now and is still pretty pathetic against it.
Back to match, SA in trouble - 6 down. AB might run out of partners before the follow on mark.
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Not only do the ladies love that moustakka... it grants super powers
I am starting to grow one as we speak!
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Need a counterattacking 40/50 from Robbie Peterson here...
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You would think though that these guys could sort it out. I haven't followed JP's career as closely, but Raina has had troubles for years now and is still pretty pathetic against it.
Back to match, SA in trouble - 6 down. AB might run out of partners before the follow on mark.
Players like Raina are lucky with the advent of the IPL.
Go out have a slog get paid £1m.
Why bother sorting you game out?
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Petersen's hoping around looking a little bit scared right now... still at 95mph I would be doing a Zaheer myself and getting the hell out of the way
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Well played AB, another Test 50.
Looked incredible today, even more remarkable as he's barely had a knock after he had surgery on his hand.
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Gotta love Johnson's slower ball, still quicker than half of England's attack..........
Well batted so far ABV but you didn't pick that and it looked like it hurt! Not good
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Slower ball at 135 kph...
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That rain came fast! Chuff me. Good decision by the umps.
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Need a counterattacking 40/50 from Robbie Peterson here...
Looks like he's perfected the Stuart Broad brown trouser to square leg technique....
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The rain couldn't have come at a better time for SA.
Now ABV's arm can heal and hopefully someone will point out to Petersen that batting from square leg (or that weird premeditated walking across of his stumps) is only going to increase the likelihood of him getting hit.
Stand in line man!
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Looks like he's perfected the Stuart Broad brown trouser to square leg technique....
Method behind the madness from Robbie Petersen mate, next Test is at Port Elizabeth, so if Mitch doesn't hit him he won't miss his home Test! :D
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Quite a few Shrey helmets on show today. Has anybody got any strong opinions on these? ;)
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Any off our South African members have any links to own news channels that do good coverage off cricket?
Wanna read to see if your press our as bad as the English was after Johnson got a few with the short ball.
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Any off our South African members have any links to own news channels that do good coverage off cricket?
Wanna read to see if your press our as bad as the English was after Johnson got a few with the short ball.
Could try supersport.com
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Clarke fails again, how long till his form is questioned?
Really you think he is that out of touch? He made 2 tons in the Ashes! I don't think you can count him as out of form just yet? Brad Haddin got out really cheap playing a poop shot, is he out of form? Rogers out cheap is he out of form? Come on seriously
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Really you think he is that out of touch? He made 2 tons in the Ashes! I don't think you can count him as out of form just yet? Brad Haddin got out really cheap playing a poop shot, is he out of form? Rogers out cheap is he out of form? Come on seriously
i am not looking at 1 innings
Clarke last 7 test innings. 24, 23, 10, 6, 10, 6, 23. if that's great form then cool.
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i am not looking at 1 innings
Clarke last 7 test innings. 24, 23, 10, 6, 10, 6, 23. if that's great form then cool.
I wasn't looking at one innings either, but 2 tons in a series means your in pretty good form, no one ever ( apart from Bradman ) will score massive in every innings, if he failed for 20 innings then sure let's have a look at form. But then he is one of they best test bats going around so I doubt that would happen
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I wasn't looking at one innings either, but 2 tons in a series means your in pretty good form, no one ever ( apart from Bradman ) will score massive in every innings, if he failed for 20 innings then sure let's have a look at form. But then he is one of they best test bats going around so I doubt that would happen
no doubt Clarke is a great batsmen. and i am not suggesting he would be dropped. but players have been questioned for less.
i personally believe it is playing on Clarkes mind to. it would have given him and excuse to drop to his favoured number 5 atleast.
people have been dropped for less, look at Hughes kajawa etc etc.
hopefully once Johnson finishes off the sa tailment. he'll have a decent seconds innings
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no doubt Clarke is a great batsmen. and i am not suggesting he would be dropped. but players have been questioned for less.
i personally believe it is playing on Clarkes mind to. it would have given him and excuse to drop to his favoured number 5 atleast.
people have been dropped for less, look at Hughes kajawa etc etc.
hopefully once Johnson finishes off the sa tailment. he'll have a decent seconds innings
I totally agree people have been dropped for less and should be given a chance but remember Clarke got dropped pretty early on in his career too, Phillip Hughes will get his chance the guy is 24, and will be a main stay for a long time, kajawa has had a lot of chances and failed very bad in all of them! I would like to see Watson Dropped has a test player, he is made of glass and can't handle the pressure it puts on his body!
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Watson may not get back in if marsh and doolan do a good job.
marsh did his part already.
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Watson may not get back in if marsh and doolan do a good job.
marsh did his part already.
One can only hope they do well :)
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The last couple of posts, make a great point, Watson may not get back in if these guys perform, that whats Brad Hodge thought after his great performances :o
Of course Watson will be back in the team!
Not that I am a Clarke fan but seriously who'd Captain the side? He's up there with the best in recent times.
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The last couple of posts, make a great point, Watson may not get back in if these guys perform, that whats Brad Hodge thought after his great performances :o
Of course Watson will be back in the team!
Not that I am a Clarke fan but seriously who'd Captain the side? He's up there with the best in recent times.
Apparently and I say only apparently steve smith is being groomed as clarkes successor. That's from the mouth of ponting and mark Waugh, as they watched him captain the sixes in the big bash(of which he is a good captain)
Johnson blows Peterson away, made him jump around in fear for 2overs. But is off again. As ABD looks so comfortable.
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I would be shocked if Steyn gets one in his half!
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Apparently and I say only apparently steve smith is being groomed as clarkes successor. That's from the mouth of ponting and mark Waugh, as they watched him captain the sixes in the big bash(of which he is a good captain)
Johnson blows Peterson away, made him jump around in fear for 2overs. But is off again. As ABD looks so comfortable.
Heard the same Smith next captain, big call!
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Steyn hobbling about. And 2 dropped catches this afternoon!
Has The Johnson effect set int he South African minds?
Is Johnson currently the best test bowler? Or. Just most feared?
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Steyn hobbling about. And 2 dropped catches this afternoon!
Has The Johnson effect set int he South African minds?
Is Johnson currently the best test bowler? Or. Just most feared?
Right now, he is both.
He bowls to the left... he bowls to the right...
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Hard catch, but another gone down! All aus at mo!
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The proteas are a shambles at the moment, Warner dropped 3 times and misfields and overthrows all over the park.
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Is SAF the new England?
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Is SAF the new England?
Well, with Pieterson being given the boot and Antipodeans Stokes and soon enough Robson and Haine getting English caps, it seems England have abandoned the SA strategy for the moment and are going for an ANZAC led revival. Therefore, I would say the new England is more ANZAC than Saffer.
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What do you think Aus will do when Watson is back fit and Doolan looking pretty accomplished at the crease. Drop Rodgers and open with Watson?
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Well batted warned,well batted Doolan.
Too big partnerships in each innings do aus well.
How long is Watson expected to be out for? You'd be gutted to havea. Decent debut like Doolan, or a great comeback like Marsh and be dropped.
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Firstly, lead is 375, when you think Clarke will declare and what lead, timeframe he want.
If similar to this overnight, I can see a slap and tickle first session, and declare at tea.
As for South Africa, the two commentators on at moment need a Valium!
"End of an era"
"Well we was number one for some time but it's over"
"Time to rebuild"
Have they really handed it he towel after one test?
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Clarke will probably declare overnight... looking at history and the variable bounce out there SAF would probably be pushed to get 375 let alone the 450 or so Aus will have by stumps...
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What do you think Aus will do when Watson is back fit and Doolan looking pretty accomplished at the crease. Drop Rodgers and open with Watson?
Yeah that might be one option. I don't know if it will happen though. I suspect they will give Rodgers at least another game which is fair enough. But there is now competition for batting spots, and he looks like the weakest link just at the moment.
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Why should Watson get back in? Not been scoring runs and his bowling is just a bonus. You cant drop Rodgers after 1 bad game. Wasnt he the leading scorer over both Ashes series? With Doolan and Marsh batting well he waita for another go surely.
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Saffers bowling defensively and Peterson getting called for wides down leg side... Yawn.......
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Booooorrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggggg
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Crap ball wicket, crap ball wicket.
That's all you need on your debut when heading towards a ton, test killing tactics getting you out.
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Should have promoted Johnson or Haddin!
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Why should Watson get back in? Not been scoring runs and his bowling is just a bonus. You cant drop Rodgers after 1 bad game. Wasnt he the leading scorer over both Ashes series? With Doolan and Marsh batting well he waita for another go surely.
Not saying Rodgers will be dropped by any stretch. Will also depend on whether Watto can bowl - if he can I think he will play 100%. It gets much trickier if you have to assess his value to the team as a pure batsman. I think he still might get in anyway, but I am not sure who they can or will drop.
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SA nearing the 500 behind mark, think Clarke will declare overnight.
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SA nearing the 500 behind mark, think Clarke will declare overnight.
I reckon an hour before lunch tmr. Fairly standard Aussie declaration when they're in that position.
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I've been bitterly disappointed with the brainless tactics the Proteas bowlers have employed in this Test.
Steyn and Philander are pitch up bowlers, yes Steyn can bowl 150kph+, but both are as their best when they've have the batsmen coming forward.
Steyn, a little undercooked and ill, but Philander has no excuse. Once you're playing Philander of the back foot, you've won half the battle.
I'm starting to wonder whether Morne has every learnt the meaning 'adjust to conditions'. This pitch isn't suited to whacking it in half way down. He should've been at least 12'-18' fuller.
McLaren, sadly, the control to be a forth seamer. He's again a pitch up bowler, yet has been pounding it half way down.
Australia have played well and punished the wayward bowling. And kudos to them.
I'll back Steyn and Vern to correct their errors in Port Elizabeth. But I think it's time Morne was sent back to Titans to develop more skills.
And I want to see Parnell replace McLaren. Left arm option adds variety.
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And alarmingly only 6-8% of all balls bowled by the Proteas seamers are hitting the stumps...
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And alarmingly only 6-8% of all balls bowled by the Proteas seamers are hitting the stumps...
The English bowlers had a very similar stat in the recent series. Do we put it down to SA being slow starters? They started slowly against the Indians as well recently.
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The English bowlers had a very similar stat in the recent series. Do we put it down to SA being slow starters? They started slowly against the Indians as well recently.
If Biff/Domingo put it down to 'slow starters' I'll more than a little pissed.
We started slowly in Abu Dhabi. Slow start again India, but they played well and blunted Steyn/Philander.
It's getting into a bad habit and not acceptable
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I think SA generally do seem to start many series like that, not that that's a good thing as it is much harder to catch up especially in the shorter series if you go down 1-0. Of course, it is a 3 match series so they can still come back and win (I think its fair to assume barring some sort of miracle that they will go down in this one).
I am sure they will come back stronger in the second. I think their team selection is interesting, Parnell may be better as he is left handed so provides variety. What about Robin Peterson, I think JP can pretty much do his role. I don't see any point in having a spinner just for the sake of it.
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I think SA generally do seem to start many series like that, not that that's a good thing as it is much harder to catch up especially in the shorter series if you go down 1-0. Of course, it is a 3 match series so they can still come back and win (I think its fair to assume barring some sort of miracle that they will go down in this one).
I am sure they will come back stronger in the second. I think their team selection is interesting, Parnell may be better as he is left handed so provides variety. What about Robin Peterson, I think JP can pretty much do his role. I don't see any point in having a spinner just for the sake of it.
TBH Jean-Paul Duminy's lucky to even be in the side.
His batting has been on the decline for a while now.
Had the King not retired, Duminy would've been axed for Quinton de Kock.
Robin Peterson's is also on borrowed time.
I'd bring in Parnell for McLaren and QdK for JPD
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Would be a good series to blood De Cock, would he keep Gerry?
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Maybe they should bring Quinton in. Not sure its worth risking some sort of injury to AB which affects his batting or has him out for any length of time. Saw him cop a few bad bounces today which hurt. The bloke is the best batsman in the world atm in terms of rankings, why risk him, and while he can handle the workload right now it might dull his batting down the line. Plus Quinton seems a very good batman from what I saw in the one dayers against India.
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Would be a good series to blood De Cock, would he keep Gerry?
Yeah mate QdK keeps if he's batting at 6/7.
AB's only recently have surgery on his hand. And has taken a few bad blows on that hand today.
We can't afford AB to break that hand, he's far too important.
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I wouldn't be surprised if we are starting to see the decline of SA in this series. Kallis/AB allowed SA to play 5 bowlers and 7 batsman but when you have McLaren at 7 it doesn't look great. I personally think Australia are on a hot streak that will finish as soon as Harris falls apart and Watson quits test cricket (must be coming with his fitness record). Mitch is pushing 34 and will do well to bowl 95mph in a couple of years time. Let's not even go there with Clarke's back. Australia have some great reserves but SA, Eng and Aus will be much changed teams over the coming years. I like how India have moved on under Fletcher and NZ have the makings of a very handy test team.
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Mitch is only 32 - so he still has another 2-3 years at least and maybe a little more if he stays fit. Harris and Watson will be a loss though to be fair Watson has not really bowled much in recent times, and he's not that much of a loss in terms of batting either. The Aussies have some talent in terms of fast bowlers so I think they should be ok. Their batting reserves are a bit of a concern. Agree though that the landscape will be very different in say 4-5 years time.
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It seems Mitchell Johnson run of form, is gonna change the entire test format as we now it.
Destroying teams not only during games, but also off the pitch,
Test Careers are being ended.
Sides and roles are being changed
And the ranking are going out the window.
As anyone players form ever had such an impact?
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Lots a better bowlers than MJ have destroyed people's careers.
Let's not forget the SA skipper has put 3 England skippers to the sword also, eras can change in a heartbeat. The previous two ashes proved that.
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Credit to the aussies they look like they are developing a top side after a couple of years in the wilderness
Anyone think watching the last two days puts a slightly different slant on the Ashes series just gone?
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Frankly, Johnson is doing what the Windies bowlers did to hick. Fast bowlers have done this throughout history.
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Well batted warned,well batted Doolan.
Too big partnerships in each innings do aus well.
How long is Watson expected to be out for? You'd be gutted to havea. Decent debut like Doolan, or a great comeback like Marsh and be dropped.
Brad Hodge probably thought the same, think he got a double ton and dropped for return of established player - Marto I think!
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It seems Mitchell Johnson run of form, is gonna change the entire test format as we now it.
Destroying teams not only during games, but also off the pitch,
Test Careers are being ended.
Sides and roles are being changed
And the ranking are going out the window.
As anyone players form ever had such an impact?
Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee in tandem.
West Indies at their peak.
If we go back far enough...Lindwall and Miller, Larwood and Voce and Gregory and McDonald scared the bejeezus out of guys.
So, yeah, MJ is just showing us what aggressive fast bowling can do.
In the pre helmet era, MJ would have been even more scarier.
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Frank Tyson, Fred Trueman are a few other names that come to mind. Wes Hall as well.
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Frank Tyson, Fred Trueman are a few other names that come to mind. Wes Hall as well.
Hall, Gilchrist and Griffith - yes.
Tyson - yes.
Snow - yes.
Trueman - no.
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Thought he was called Fiery Fred for a reason, but you might be right, will have to dig into the cricket books again lol!. Certainly a great fast bowler.
If I remember correctly Griffith was the one with the suspect action.
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Thought he was called Fiery Fred for a reason, but you might be right, will have to dig into the cricket books again lol!. Certainly a great fast bowler.
If I remember correctly Griffith was the one with the suspect action.
Fred was fiery and a GREAT fast bowler...as was Statham.
Scary? That was Tyson.
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How's that ball Mitch just pinged Amla with!! Good thing he has a lid on :)
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That was a ripper.
12/2... how unlucky is Smith!
I hope SAF can dig in and take it to the 5th day!
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Credit to the aussies they look like they are developing a top side after a couple of years in the wilderness
Anyone think watching the last two days puts a slightly different slant on the Ashes series just gone?
Yes, I think it has. I think maybe England aren't so bad!!!
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the heat is on!
you may say unlucky smith. but he knew a fielder was there and hit it perfectly at him which to me say he wasn't in control of the shot. therefore still good bowling by Johnson.
he's making them play at it in a panic. which is exactly what.he.wants
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the heat is on!
you may say unlucky smith. but he knew a fielder was there and hit it perfectly at him which to me say he wasn't in control of the shot. therefore still good bowling by Johnson.
he's making them play at it in a panic. which is exactly what.he.wants
I am not sure a half volley on leg stump would fit within my definition of 'good bowling'. Bad ball gets wickets too! What a catch from Doolan.
Alvaro's back away trigger movement is a concern... looks like he might be spending some time in the nets working on it.
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As well as Johnson is playing Im still not convinced by SAs batting line up. Alvaro seems to be a good bat when the pressure is off, Faf for me should be batting at 6 and JP has not done much for quite some time.
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I am not sure a half volley on leg stump would fit within my definition of 'good bowling'. Bad ball gets wickets too! What a catch from Doolan.
Alvaro's back away trigger movement is a concern... looks like he might be spending some time in the nets working on it.
If you ball 6 crap balls an over you will get punished!
If you ball 3 overs of high intensity bowling, with the batsman panicking and jumping about. When that seemingly bad ball comes, there eyes light up, and instead of putting it away, they just put bat to ball without a thought to were it's going.
That's called pressure, and pressure can only be built by bowling well.
It was Definately smiths error, but an error caused by Johnson's bowling.
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If you ball 6 crap balls an over you will get punished!
If you ball 3 overs of high intensity bowling, with the batsman panicking and jumping about. When that seemingly bad ball comes, there eyes light up, and instead of putting it away, they just put bat to ball without a thought to were it's going.
That's called pressure, and pressure can only be built by bowling well.
It was Definately smiths error, but an error caused by Johnson's bowling.
Maybe, I personally would probably put that dismissal squarely in the unlucky category possibly with a touch of batsman error and unbelievable catching.
That LBW ball rolled along the ground.
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Yes, I think it has. I think maybe England aren't so bad!!!
England were terrible!! SA are just playing like children too. SA's bowling looks down on previous outings overall (syeyna nd philander have still looked good in patches though). I still say this next phase will see SA rebuilding a side, lots of oldies in their on the downward curve rather than peaking
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Maybe, I personally would probably put that dismissal squarely in the unlucky category possibly with a touch of batsman error and unbelievable catching.
That LBW ball rolled along the ground.
I'm with smiley, if you put batsmen under pressure then bowl a loose ball it's amazing how many times they feck up. Pressure does funny things after all.
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As well as Johnson is playing Im still not convinced by SAs batting line up. Alvaro seems to be a good bat when the pressure is off, Faf for me should be batting at 6 and JP has not done much for quite some time.
TBH AB should be at 4, if he wasn't keeping.
I'd like to see Riley Roussow open in place of Alviro.
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England were terrible!! SA are just playing like children too. SA's bowling looks down on previous outings overall (syeyna nd philander have still looked good in patches though). I still say this next phase will see SA rebuilding a side, lots of oldies in their on the downward curve rather than peaking
I'm not what your talking about.
This is the first time in 15 years the name JH Kallis is missing from your line up.
It will take a little while for the rejigged line up to accommodate the lose of 12000 runs and 290 wickets.
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Hashim Amla moves past 6000 Test runs!!!
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I'm not what your talking about.
This is the first time in 15 years the name JH Kallis is missing from your line up.
It will take a little while for the rejigged line up to accommodate the lose of 12000 runs and 290 wickets.
C'mon Gerry
These things should be seamless, just look at Eng... oh.
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C'mon Gerry
These things should be seamless, just look at Eng... oh.
Sorry I'm not sure what you mean.
Kallis was the glue at 4.
Sensational slip fielder
And a vital 4th seamer.
So basically the Proteas has lost around 20% of their overall productivity.
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Take a bow doolan
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Doolan stays low and keeps his eye on it, unlike most that have ducked or turned to such shots.
Quality indeed from the debutant,
Have SA got much left to stay with AVB. Or will it be a case of when not if aus win?
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The SA ship is sinking rapidly here. I think its almost certainly a case of when and not if (unless weather intervenes which I don't think it will). 37 more overs left in the day - the Aussie may be able to wrap it up today itself.
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Ow, that hurt!
Blood too from the ear.
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Another case of hurt through the lid. Just saying, its a Shrey... ;)
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Ouch!! That was a nasty blow to the head! Scary stuff from Johnson...
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If this was a boxing match, the referee/doctor would be close to stopping it...
That was like a left hook from Tommy Hearn's...
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On to a lighter note. Steve smith looks like, he'd get on well on cbf. Picks up mclarens bat, has a wave, a feel and good luck at it, before handing it back.
I like to see the pros checking out others willow.
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That's what happens when you turn your head and take your eyes off the ball I guess. Nasty blow
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Doolan stays low and keeps his eye on it, unlike most that have ducked or turned to such shots.
Quality indeed from the debutant,
Have SA got much left to stay with AVB. Or will it be a case of when not if aus win?
Hope he does a better job than he did at Spurs!
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Hope he does a better job than he did at Spurs!
Oh the joys of autocorrect, give those with not much to say, something to post on.
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This is like watching Fire in Babylon....except it is Johnson wreaking the carnage all on his own!
This is breath taking stuff no matter who you support.
Genuinely express bowlers add glamour to test cricket.
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Gets AB again with the slower ball. Impressive stuff!
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This is like watching Fire in Babylon....except it is Johnson wreaking the carnage all on his own!
This is breath taking stuff no matter who you support.
Genuinely express bowlers add glamour to test cricket.
Yeah Mitch is a one man demolition crew all by himself at the moment. Nothing quite like express pace to liven up a test match. Been a long time since we witnessed something like this, just great to watch.
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Ouch! Not much bounce in the Siddle ball! Play that one! Went through at ankle level. :(
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She's been warming up once Amla went! And now ABdV has gone, she's singing!!!
(http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii471/petehosk/95349939-7DFE-4096-A882-72BD14979D06_zpswaghogkc.jpg)
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Congratulations to Aus. First session was SA but ever since then, they have played like a tight and well drilled team.
They have taken some brilliant catches (Doolan in particular!) some tight fielding, strong batting and very decent, consistant bowling (Siddle and Harris) not to mention some fiery wicket taking bowling from el Gringo with his super-human moustache!
The thing I'm most interested in is how SA will regroup and fight back?
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What a truly disappointing performance from South Africa. Australia certainly picking up where they left off in the Ashes, especially MJ. I hope that we can bounce back strongly, but South African players need to step it up big time. I don't think the Kallis gap will be filled soon, and even though he might not have change the result, a team sheet with King Kallis on it is much more reassurring.
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Congrats Australia you ripped us a new one...
Reports back home suggesting Biff will retire at the end of this series...Sad day for South African sport if these reports are proven correct.
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I follow Graeme smith on Instagram and he put up a photo of his wife and daughter with the caption : "hate leaving them going touring.. Promise last one" or something similar
Maybe it's true?
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I follow Graeme smith on Instagram and he put up a photo of his wife and daughter with the caption : "hate leaving them going touring.. Promise last one" or something similar
Maybe it's true?
Well he's Surrey captain for 2014 and 2015.
He's already out of the ODI/T20 sides.
So the curtail might be about to come down...
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Congrats Australia you ripped us a new one...
Reports back home suggesting Biff will retire at the end of this series...Sad day for South African sport if these reports are proven correct.
When I saw you'd replied, I was gonna ask how the SA media were reporting it. But I'm guessing your not in SA from the "back home" bit.
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When I saw you'd replied, I was gonna ask how the SA media were reporting it. But I'm guessing your not in SA from the "back home" bit.
No mate I'm based in London, haven't been home in a long time :(
Spoke to a few friends earlier, basically said it's reported as we got what we deserved.
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Congrats Australia you ripped us a new one...
Reports back home suggesting Biff will retire at the end of this series...Sad day for South African sport if these reports are proven correct.
These Aussies are ending a fair few players careers !!
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I'm sure its already been put up in this thread, but if Watson is fit for the next test, would he get straight back into the Starting XI? If so, who would it before.
They've got more than handy part time spin from Steve Smith if they really need it. Personally think if he's fit then they'd have to open with Watson and drop Rogers.
Very unfair on the old fella, but think thats the only way Watson would get back in.
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The fact that Warner bowled a few overs of seam up would suggest to me that they would be keen to get Watson back in somehow
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I would say not picked, but you never know with the Aussies. Could be Rodgers or Marsh as Marsh is cover for Watto. Might be harsh but do what is best for the team and greatest chance of winning.
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The fact that Warner bowled a few overs of seam up would suggest to me that they would be keen to get Watson back in somehow
It was a bizarre bowling choice. Especially when the commentators had to explain that although Warner had took test wickets, it was bowling leg spin, and this was the first time head bowled seam up in a test.
Warner, jack of all trades! When he was buffing about in t20 as a clubbie and got picked up, bet he never thought he'd be bowling seam up in a test match!
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I would say not picked, but you never know with the Aussies. Could be Rodgers or Marsh as Marsh is cover for Watto. Might be harsh but do what is best for the team and greatest chance of winning.
For the next test, fit or not, I doubt Watson would be selected.
After that test, who knows.
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I'm sure its already been put up in this thread, but if Watson is fit for the next test, would he get straight back into the Starting XI? If so, who would it before.
They've got more than handy part time spin from Steve Smith if they really need it. Personally think if he's fit then they'd have to open with Watson and drop Rogers.
Very unfair on the old fella, but think thats the only way Watson would get back in.
Agree with Legger123, then again why change a winning team.
Watson given injury history could probably benefit with more recovery time, we've seen it too often, him pull up in his bowling stride straining something.
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Based on batting form, there's no way Watto can get back in. If he can bowl, he may have half a chance. Personally I hope they don't bring him back. The batting order looks more solid without him.
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It was a bizarre bowling choice. Especially when the commentators had to explain that although Warner had took test wickets, it was bowling leg spin, and this was the first time head bowled seam up in a test.
Warner, jack of all trades! When he was buffing about in t20 as a clubbie and got picked up, bet he never thought he'd be bowling seam up in a test match!
He still got it through at 130kph+ with some outswing... faster the Philander really!
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The fact that Warner bowled a few overs of seam up would suggest to me that they would be keen to get Watson back in somehow
Or they are looking at their options of someone who can get through a couple overs and not bring Watson back in. Personally I don think Watson deserves to be in the team at the moment. His average is low and he can't convert starts into hundreds which, let's face it, is his main job.
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Agree with Legger123, then again why change a winning team.
Watson given injury history could probably benefit with more recovery time, we've seen it too often, him pull up in his bowling stride straining something.
You always change a team if it makes you stronger.
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South Africa considering two changes for Port Elizabeth.
Quinton de Kock looking like earning his Test debut at 6, and will keep.
Kyle Abbott, debuted last year took 9 poles on debut but overlooked since, also likely to play. Kyle's a high class bowler and from Durban :)
Ryan McLaren and Robin Petersen likely to be axed.
AB could move up to 4. Faf down to 5. JP down to 7 as the all rounder.
I'd prefer the 7 batsmen plus 4 fast bowler line up.
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He still got it through at 130kph+ with some outswing... faster the Philander really!
Faster than Philander?? What's your point to this post?
Why would you possibly make a comparison of Warner bowling with Philander?
It's chalk and cheese! It's like comparing a number 10 or 11 batsman with the likes of Amla, ABdV or Clarke!!
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South Africa considering two changes for Port Elizabeth.
Quinton de Kock looking like earning his Test debut at 6, and will keep.
Kyle Abbott, debuted last year took 9 poles on debut but overlooked since, also likely to play. Kyle's a high class bowler and from Durban :)
Ryan McLaren and Robin Petersen likely to be axed.
AB could move up to 4. Faf down to 5. JP down to 7 as the all rounder.
I'd prefer the 7 batsmen plus 4 fast bowler line up.
See I look at that and think,good changes, good line up. Still seems strong in all departments.
Jp has and his issues, but he is as capable as Peterson to bowl IMO, and it is as 5th bowler, plus he's now the 7th batsmen.
So even though people have been calling for his head, just a change in his position and roll has made him a worthy edition and the side stronger.
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See I look at that and think,good changes, good line up. Still seems strong in all departments.
Jp has and his issues, but he is as capable as Peterson to bowl IMO, and it is as 5th bowler, plus he's now the 7th batsmen.
So even though people have been calling for his head, just a change in his position and roll has made him a worthy edition and the side stronger.
TBH JP and Alviro are on borrowed time.
We have a Test series against Zimbabwe in August where I'd like to see Stiann van Zyl opening the batting. And Simon Harmer take over as the spinner. Harmer is a good spinner and can bat at 7.
And hopefully Marchant de Lange will be fit by then and he's back in consideration.
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South Africa considering two changes for Port Elizabeth.
Quinton de Kock looking like earning his Test debut at 6, and will keep.
Kyle Abbott, debuted last year took 9 poles on debut but overlooked since, also likely to play. Kyle's a high class bowler and from Durban :)
Ryan McLaren and Robin Petersen likely to be axed.
AB could move up to 4. Faf down to 5. JP down to 7 as the all rounder.
I'd prefer the 7 batsmen plus 4 fast bowler line up.
Not sure why they didn't do that in the first place. McLaren doesn't strike me as a test number 7 and it smacked of selection compromise to play him in the first test. I like Robin Petersen as a cricketer but is he going to run through Aus?, I doubt it.
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Interesting cricinfo article on the same topic by the excellent Jarrod Kimber:-
http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/719403.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/719403.html)
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I suspect that McLaren got the nod as he is seen as an allrounder and the powers that be may have been looking at a similar player to Kallis?
The problem is that a Kallis/Botham/Sobers/Khan/Miller of that class doesn't come along very often, and can never be replaced.
I think that changes they are making look good! Only a few days to wait and see.
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Congrats Australia you ripped us a new one...
Reports back home suggesting Biff will retire at the end of this series...Sad day for South African sport if these reports are proven correct.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
I love Graeme Smith!
He is one of my favourite cricketers outside of the Aussies (along with half the SA team).
I would miss the big lug if he called it a day.
Please let it only be a baseless rumour.
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I think Robbie P has done enough to keep his place. I would think that Alviro is under pressure to keep his place in the side. JP's performances are even more frustrating considering the amount of talent he has, but as it has been shown many times before, one needs more than talent to make it at the highest level in sport. Morkel needs to put in consistent performances as well for us to be competitive.
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Or they are looking at their options of someone who can get through a couple overs and not bring Watson back in. Personally I don think Watson deserves to be in the team at the moment. His average is low and he can't convert starts into hundreds which, let's face it, is his main job.
agree - apart from when england decided to feed him fodder at the oval I think he is struggling technically. Doolan and Marsh look more organised players and as you said, there job is to score runs which they did well. England got away with a 4 man attack for several years and if Harris doesn't fall to pieces and nobody gets after Lyon, then Aus will for the foreseeable future.
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Lehmann says no Watson in next test
http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-australia-2013-14/content/current/story/719637.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-australia-2013-14/content/current/story/719637.html)
He needs to be bowling to be considered, meaning, he doesn't rate him as a batsmen.
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Lehmann says no Watson in next test
[url]http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-australia-2013-14/content/current/story/719637.html[/url] ([url]http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-australia-2013-14/content/current/story/719637.html[/url])
He needs to be bowling to be considered, meaning, he doesn't rate him as a batsmen.
Doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't rate him as a batsman, might be down to balance of the side.
You'd struggle to justify replacing Doolan who made a good start, or Marsh who made a ton, with Watto the batsman as the balance of the side remains the same.
Watto the all rounder would add a bowing option too so is easier to justify the change to the team.
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Part of Australia's bad starts has been down to Watson and his big front foot. Marsh/Doolan batting 3/4 has allowed Clarke to stay at his preferred position of 5. Unless Watson bowls I don't think he's worth his place as a batsman.
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I meant to put a question mark on the end of that.
Yeah it offers a better balance with him bowling. But surely if he thought he was one of his top 5/6 batsmen he'd be straight back in anyway?
I don't agree with dropping Rodgers, but he is the place at risk currently(alot due to him being a Arthur inclusion, but also the fact he's more suited to English bowlers)
But I doubt Lehmann sees Watson as an opener.
If they had a part time spinner(smith?) Watson would be a good number 7 and leave Lyon out.
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Both Marsh and Doolan looked settled, and looked like they had no pressure on them!
After that knock, I can't see Marsh getting replaced!! And Doolan also looked confortable with the bat! And add to that those two fantastic catches Doolan took, and there is no case for Watson getting in the team!
He can't even get at number 6 with Smith being in form too! And the issue with Watson's LBW problems will simply help to keep him out! Watson's bowling is very handy to have, although the Aus pace attack look to have more than enough at the moment. I would agree that on a wicket that doesn't take spin as well, that will be his chance to drop in at 7 and drop Lyons (who is doing a decent holding job)
Mind you, it must be a great dilemma to have!
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It's a great dilemma as long as:-
1. Johnson bowls 90-95mph
2. Harris stays fit, probably the best line and length seamer in world cricket at the moment and nearly hitting 90mph himself
Take them out the reserves aren't as good and Australia will find it difficult to bowl teams out again. The english summer ashes shows what can happen when you stick Aus on a sluggish track without a spearhead. For SA this isn't an option as it nullifies their own pace attack and they have no spinner to even get close to test winning standard.
I digress, my point was Watson will be needed if plan A goes to pot and Australia need control in the seam department. ie. if harris falls to bits and starc get's drafted in
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Not sure why they didn't do that in the first place. McLaren doesn't strike me as a test number 7 and it smacked of selection compromise to play him in the first test. I like Robin Petersen as a cricketer but is he going to run through Aus?, I doubt it.
Well McLaren has given a CSA contract, so if he wasn't given ago, it would've raised questions.
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
I love Graeme Smith!
He is one of my favourite cricketers outside of the Aussies (along with half the SA team).
I would miss the big lug if he called it a day.
Please let it only be a baseless rumour.
I don't think it's baseless Vic.
Smith's original plan was to bow out after the home series vs England in 2015-16.
As of 2014, only Australia and England, haven't lost a series in South Africa when Biff's been skipper.
But time looks to be running short for Biff...
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I think Robbie P has done enough to keep his place. I would think that Alviro is under pressure to keep his place in the side. JP's performances are even more frustrating considering the amount of talent he has, but as it has been shown many times before, one needs more than talent to make it at the highest level in sport. Morkel needs to put in consistent performances as well for us to be competitive.
I don't think Robbie has don't enough to maintain his place SFA.
He's neither an attacking spinner. Not can he block up and end. Without Kallis, Peterson isn't viable.
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I don't think Robbie has don't enough to maintain his place SFA.
He's neither an attacking spinner. Not can he block up and end. Without Kallis, Peterson isn't viable.
I think you've hit the nail on the head when you mention the lack of King Kallis. Right now we have to find the best balance for the team without the person who has been the foundation of our batting lineup and a great fourth seamer. I haven't seen Harmer bowl so I cant really talk about him, but for the Wanderers where i think the choice would have been between the spinners with experience, ie Robbie or Tahir, I think Robbie was the right choice.
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Andrew Hilditch has confirmed no new faces will be added to the original 15 man squad.
Ryan McLaren is dropped and Dean Elgar will come in as a pure batsman at 7. He offers a little bit of slow arm spin.
Robbie Peterson has basically reached the point of no return, another lacklustre performance will end his Test career.
Morkel is carrying a shoulder injury, so Parnell(little expensive as part of a 4 man attack) or Klienveldt could get the nod.
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I don't think it's baseless Vic.
Smith's original plan was to bow out after the home series vs England in 2015-16.
As of 2014, only Australia and England, haven't lost a series in South Africa when Biff's been skipper.
But time looks to be running short for Biff...
I am devastated.
Hard to imagine a Saffer line up without Biff.
I am still getting my head around King Kallis not being around. :(
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If McClaren is being left out of the 2nd test due to the concussion he received from Johnson's bouncer, why did he not retire hurt?
Is this just an excuse to drop McClaren? He look suspect when playing the short ball and his bowling was probably lacking the cutting edge SAF needed from him.
Why can't selectors be honest? Like with Watto, he said he was fit earlier but now he remains out due to his calf injury... be honest. Why can't the selectors just say he isn't in good enough form right now to displace either of Doolan or Marsh. If either had failed, Watto would be back in the side.
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If McClaren is being left out of the 2nd test due to the concussion he received from Johnson's bouncer, why did he not retire hurt?
Is this just an excuse to drop McClaren? He look suspect when playing the short ball and his bowling was probably lacking the cutting edge SAF needed from him.
Why can't selectors be honest? Like with Watto, he said he was fit earlier but now he remains out due to his calf injury... be honest. Why can't the selectors just say he isn't in good enough form right now to displace either of Doolan or Marsh. If either had failed, Watto would be back in the side.
You don't always immediately know you're concussed. Like being in a car crash, you can get out, direct traffic and continue normally, then 4 or 5 hours later, it hits you. I suspect that this is what happened here.
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Yes I hadn't considered a delay onset concussion scenario.
Three changes to the SAF side?
De Kock, Parnell and Egar in for Alviro, Peterson and McClaren?
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Good changes I think... Hope the new faces can step up. Conditions seem to favour batting...
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Elgar opening :| whats going on there?
Not an opening bat from what ive seen
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Elgar opening :| whats going on there?
Not an opening bat from what ive seen
He opens for his province so is no stranger to the new ball.
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Great start from the Aussies
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My boys crumbling again :(
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The track will flatten out in the next 5 overs and it should be a bit of a runfest
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Two observations,
I Hate Fafs new kit. It's hideous.
I Hate Mark Nicholas. He's a (No Swearing Please).
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Not sure whether the speed of the quick singles and turning the strike over is a strategic decision or influenced by Johnson's bowling! :D
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Two observations,
I Hate Fafs new kit. It's hideous.
I Hate Mark Nicholas. He's a (No Swearing Please).
Any pictures of the kit? im not watching it
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Warner having a little bowl..
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First time I've seen Warner bowl candy thing other than spin, not striking fear into the batsman.... :o
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So tis quiet on jeer regarding. But that's to be expected as the first day so far has little to shout about,
I'm not a betting man, but if I was it would be on a draw,
Pitch seems to be doctored to hamper Mitchell's bounce. But even so aus still bowling well and not giving much opportunity to score,
Pitch will also hamper Sa bowlers. But unlike aus, they don't have a full time spinner. Will they take 20 aus wicket son this pitch? Me I believe not.
Then there's Elgar, opening the test, on his first game selected for abit, a few weeks after he had his central contract removed. And looking good at it too boot. Not looked scared, took a few body shots, but happily cruising along at a 50sr for 70 runs.
Well played man, well played.
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Hopefully it will liven up when the new ball is due
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Here comes the unfortunately named debutant...
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Gutted for Elgar he batter well, but the Aussies bored him to death better.
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2 soft dismissals before the new ball
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Dissapointed in de kock. Debut test, only on 7 a part time spinner is on who has bowled long hops and full tossers so far, and you choose to charge him?
Random shot choice.
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Still SAF are batting deep in this game so I still expect 350+!
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I'd say the Aussies would be ok with day 1, agree above draw likely, but Australia's batting is still suspect.
Elgar, interesting selection given contractual stuff, hats off, interested to see if he can back it up in the second dig?
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http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/230852.html?class=1;template=results;type=allround;view=match (http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/230852.html?class=1;template=results;type=allround;view=match)
Looks like Elgar likes batting at PE and absolutely nowhere else...
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Watching the highlights I've concluded 2 things, Elgar doesn't like the short ball much and Fafs kit look absolute gash!
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Wow.. our man DeVilliers gets a ton!! Great chance to get a double ton.
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Abd makes it look soo easy. Such a classy player.
Must be close to be considered the best keeper batsmen ever. Wasn't Matt prior called that too a while back ;)
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Well batted de villiers. So glad you have coloured the plaster on your helmets peak green. Was annoying me so much,
And jpd has got his 50! He's got past 30. Which to me cements it further that it me a draw.
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The pitch looks flat and the batsmen are in. Now we get to see how the 'best bowling attack in the world' are when the chips are down.
I think Prior was compared to Gilchrist last summer which was pretty much laughed off by everyone on this forum. We aren't that stupid mate.
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I think it would be a good move to give de kock the gloves after this innings by AB.
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Clubbie off spinner strikes again
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I think it would be a good move to give de kock the gloves after this innings by AB.
I'm not sure they can with Tsolekile considered the 'reserve keeper'.
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I'm not sure they can with Tsolekile considered the 'reserve keeper'.
Surely anyone in the XI can keep??
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Not sure it's always that clear cut in SA, my boss is a saffer and he reckons they would cause issues if they gave DeKock the gloves over him.
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Not sure it's always that clear cut in SA, my boss is a saffer and he reckons they would cause issues if they have DeKock the gloves over him.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Heard a similar story too. Will find out soon enough
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rogers out for 5. and with this pitch im unsure if he'll get a second innings.
Watson to open in test 3?
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Hmmm but would Watto do any better against Steyn and Philander?
Plump his front foot down, the ball would nip back and he would be on his way for not many...
I think the selectors should keep faith with Rogers... but I'm not a selector...
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How long can Warner keep playing these shots before he finally nicks one or holes out?
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it has been mentioned that due to sa first innings and the tiredNess off the Aus bowlers. they will play him for the 3rd test as the 5th bowler.
i agree hes not necessarily.gonna be better than rogers. but who else does he replace?
especially if doolan and marsh score runs again
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well coolant and marsh didn't struggle the scorers
so who knows.
time for Clarke to come back into form!
sa on top
parnel looking pace and some swing!
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There has been more action in these 16 overs than the entire SAF innings... has this game suddenly become an ODI?
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Australia are swinging their wotsits so that they can come out with a load of gumpf about trying to win the game when really it's just braggadocio.
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Clarke fails again.
Is the aus batting down to spending nearly two days in the field? And working hardsomehting England never made them do.
And even when we made them field for 4 sessions, they had Watson to bare some load.
Where as in this innings Warner,Clarke and smith had to bowl Watsons share.
Anyway, Sa looking a lot more dangerous than aus did on Thai track currently,
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Lyon just nicked it and didn't walk.... What is the world coming to! An Aussie that doesn't walk!!! Oh wait...
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Good day for south Africa. Could have been even better, dropping lyon and warner. SA catching still looks really sloppy
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Cricket it a weird game... at "Supersport Park", Johnson was bowling 150kph+ and the SAF batsmen were jumping around. Meanwhile, Steyn and Morkel were struggling to get it through at 145kph or so...
Now at PE it is the SAF bowlers who are getting it through at 150kph+ and the Aussie batsman jumping around. Did Johnson even get it above 145kph today?
Did they switch Powerade bottles or something?
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Or recalibrate the speed gun?
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Great days play today :) Morkel was very unlucky not to pick up a wicket or two.
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Or recalibrate the speed gun?
What between every innings?
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Cricket it a weird game... at "Supersport Park", Johnson was bowling 150kph+ and the SAF batsmen were jumping around. Meanwhile, Steyn and Morkel were struggling to get it through at 145kph or so...
Now at PE it is the SAF bowlers who are getting it through at 150kph+ and the Aussie batsman jumping around. Did Johnson even get it above 145kph today?
Did they switch Powerade bottles or something?
Agreed, I presumed it was the pitch, but having watched morkel and steyn bowl, plus Parnell not far off what Johnson was achieving, it seems that Johnson is not on it. Maybe tired? Slight strain we've not been told about?
Or did a safer break into his hotel room, shave his beard, and replace with a fake to break the magic power it was creating!
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It could be just that the #1 ranked team playing like it should, and did not in the first match. SA have been poor starters lately
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Agreed, I presumed it was the pitch, but having watched morkel and steyn bowl, plus Parnell not far off what Johnson was achieving, it seems that Johnson is not on it. Maybe tired? Slight strain we've not been told about?
Or did a safer break into his hotel room, shave his beard, and replace with a fake to break the magic power it was creating!
I think your second theory is on the money... he can no longer channel his inner Lillee.... how Samsonesque. When the glue wears out he will realize and then start growing the mystique chopper in time for the third test. Hopefully the Saffer used good glue, maybe he won't realize until he gets home after Aus lose 2-1!
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Abd makes it look soo easy. Such a classy player.
Must be close to be considered the best keeper batsmen ever. Wasn't Matt prior called that too a while back ;)
ABdV is on fantastic form! He is a joy to watch, and when he's on this form, he makes it look sooooooo simple!
Best keeper batsman? Erm, dream on! As athletic as he is (and he is a true athlete!) he is not a natural keeper! Sangakkara and AB are both an excellent example of a top class batsman who can keep really well.
It is a testiment to his athletic ability that he is a decent keeper!! BUT both are first and foremost batsmen! In the same way that Kallis was a batsman who could bowl suberbly well!
I'm afraid that Gilchrist has never been equalled and it will take someone amazing with gloves and bat to match the standard he set!
By the way, well played SA! Gritty attitude to come back from last Test!! Great batting and bowling has been exceptional too! Catching has been a tad scrappy but something to improve on I guess. ;)
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SA continue to drop chances. Last one was easy. Might cost SA
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Pommy Mbangwa "you don't mess with a groin"
Indeed you don't Pommy... words of wisdom.
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Haddin fails again, "in the form of his life"
some ball by steyn though.
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Still can't play on puddings by the looks of it.
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Shock horror, somebody finally puts a score on the board against aus and they fall to bits. Just a shame England couldn't manage it in five tests :-(
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Gutted for Parnell. Looked good on his return, only to tear a groin. Will bat(if needed) but not bowl again in this test.
Johnson has got smith. But mo they've switched to spin too soon.
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What kit is Faf using?
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What kit is Faf using?
http://www.ixusport.com/phone/index.html (http://www.ixusport.com/phone/index.html)
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Sounds like a lot of cocky Englishmen on here at the moment ;)
Seriously Aussie bats have looked brittle, and for a while, just not in the Ashes!
Watson back test 3, subject to fitness, if Rogers goes, is that the end of him?
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Another missed review by SA. That's 3 now Smith's failed to review.
A proper spinner would have gone through Australia by now on this pitch
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Buck Rogers in the runs again. 60 odd and still going(just).
Great attacking batting from Warner, really didn't let morkel settle in that lunch session. Gutted to see him go.
Doolan looks to have no clue to duminy. Which does Boswell for him against a decent spinner.
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After that innings by Doolan, I can't help but feel he will make way for Watson in the third test.
Atleast he knocked that outside edge in abit.......
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Who is going to make way for Watto now?
Marsh bagged a pair and Doolan as good as a pair and Rogers has punched on to 70odd
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Yeah that was a pretty eventful innings of 5 by Doolan, really looked out of depth there. I also think Watson is likely to replace him. Shaun Marsh just bagging a pair, really coming crashing down to earth after playing very well in the first match.
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is faf on ball duty again?
really seems to be going, just like the first innings.
Aussies didn't get much reverse in either innings :-[
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apparently 13 runs between Doolan and Marsh this test... for your 3 and 4 that is pretty abysmal... actually even for 10 & 11 that would be poor.
Faf and the magic Minty... the reason that SAF got reverse? (it has been scientifically proven that rubbing a half chewed Minty on the shiny side aids reverse swing - well maybe not scientifically proven but I know a couple of people who swear by the magic Minty)
Maybe Aus need a packet of Minties? They might actually get some reverse!
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Two best sides in the world!! Doesnt get better than this..
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apparently 13 runs between Doolan and Marsh this test... for your 3 and 4 that is pretty abysmal... actually even for 10 & 11 that would be poor.
3, 4 and 5 have only produced 33 runs in this test.
I also keep getting laughed at for saying this, but, that's 11 innings since Clarke made a decent score. His highest in that 11 has been 24! 150 runs at an avg of 16.
Do people still not believe he's out of form?
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Match is changing rapidly, after a good start now 5 down. Great catch, but I think it was a poor shot by Clarke. Smith got a good ball. Steyn's been pretty quiet in the game, but you never can predict when he can just blast out a few guys and change the course of the match.
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:D Master class from Steyn... could do with this game being wrapped up today..
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What a ball by Steyn to remove haddin! Masterclass!
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Well batted Chris Rodgers. Plenty more batting needed, but excellent so far.
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Well batted Chris Rodgers. Plenty more batting needed, but excellent so far.
Very well played, unfortunately not much support apart from Dave Warner.
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Well batted Chris Rodgers. Plenty more batting needed, but excellent so far.
Well done sir, plays in the right way too.
Double ton please Chris.
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Very well played, unfortunately not much support apart from Dave Warner.
Yep, Warner and Rogers looked good, great partnership and SA looked rattled. Unfortunately the rest has buckled.
Jonson now gone. Will SA ask for extra half an hour tonight(can they in sa, as I've onto seen it done once)
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Well done sir, plays in the right way too.
Double ton please Chris.
He's gonna run out of partners unfortunately.
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Light might be an issue.
Break out the magic mocassins Aussie boys, it's rain dancing time!
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He's gonna run out of partners unfortunately.
True :(
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Light might be an issue.
Break out the magic mocassins Aussie boys, it's rain dancing time!
28mins to a rain storm apparently. Dance must be working.
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Certainly looks dark now... bringing back the spinners to stay out there... such a sneaky little Biff today.
I may have to jump onto the beeb and see what time the rain is expected at PE tomorrow. Might be a bit of a Houdini act!
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the font of all knowledge known as the beeb says thunderstorms from 8am tomorrow all day...
No pressure Bucky and Rhino...
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Fantastic catch from ab.on second viewing almost a fantastic catch
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Out for me. #unpopularopinion
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Out for me too
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Not out for me.
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Rogers? Not out
Smith, Johnson,Warner or Clarke??? Plumb :)
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How tight a run out? Been a great test match. Let's see if it can be wrapped up in next few mins
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Fantastic test match!
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All over, well done to SA. Australia's batting card on the other hand is absolutely woeful if you take out the top two guys. 22 runs by 9 guys, with extras of 21 runs. Series is alive and well, all to play for in a few days time.
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:D :D :D
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SA showing why they are number 1.
Shame its not a 5 match series
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SA showing why they are number 1.
Shame its not a 5 match series
crazy how it's only 3 tests
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crazy how it's only 3 tests
better than last time I suppose. was only 2 last time I think
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Has 4th test at Durham written all over it that run chase. Needs the right deck but Aussies don't play the swing well.
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at Durham the collapse was sadly predictable - they were a side who had not won in what seemed like an eternity - but this was after six on the bounce which would make it an abject display of gutlessness were it not for the fact that South Africa did bowl quite magnificently.
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yes but their recent bowling excellence meant the flaws in their batting were masked by England's. As soon as the batting is put under pressure if struggles.
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No one going to slate Steyn for carrying on like a pork chop after getting wickets?? Doesn't worry me in the slightest, Steyn in full flight is my favourite bowler to watch currently, but everyone goes nuts when big Mitch celebrates a wicket :P
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No one going to slate Steyn for carrying on like a pork chop after getting wickets?? Doesn't worry me in the slightest, Steyn in full flight is my favourite bowler to watch currently, but everyone goes nuts when big Mitch celebrates a wicket :P
Agreed bud, however I've given up expecting civil behaviour from pros and amateurs alike now. He was producing some beautiful bowling today
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Yeah that reverse swing tailing back in profusely at pace....wow. Would have made a lot of world batsmen look silly I reckon.
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Yeah that reverse swing tailing back in profusely at pace....wow. Would have made a lot of world batsmen look silly I reckon.
Oh yes, doesn't matter who you were. Yorkshires finest, can do no wrong cook, super snagakkara or superman Kohli... Would make all look bad. Some good bowling performances this series from Johnson, clubbie Lyon and Steyn .. Oh, I can't forget Harris, he's just classy
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Yeah that reverse swing tailing back in profusely at pace....wow. Would have made a lot of world batsmen look silly I reckon.
The ball that got SMith was the one for me - it wasn't so much that it moved in so sharply, as that it moved so damn late!
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Was good to see that someone came back at Australia, rather than just the gutless whimpering of the English.
Has set this series up really nicely. I think the Saffers have the momentum at the moment, but their history vs. Australia at the next ground isn't great. Will all come down to who wants it more.
If Steyn and Johnson are both firing like they have been, could be over in no time.
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Morkel was frightening in the first innings too. I see that Pattinson is being talked up for the final Test rather than Harris/Siddle and Watson instead of Doolan/Marsh.
Abbott in for Parnell – does Elgar keep his place ahead of Petersen (I'd say probably)?
I smell a farewell 100 from Biff.
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Harris's knee looked (No Swearing Please) by the end of the second test. He could be missing for a bit
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Morkels first innings bowling was up there with the best. But because he only took 3 he won't be talked about or remembered,
Got Johnson on the lid with two zingers!
Elgar should stay, Niue 80 odd in first innings, and didn't bowl that bad. Probably better spin option than England has at mo.
How do you think they'll choose between Doolan and marsh for Watson? Coin toss?
Both had good first test, but both were missing in the second, and neither add bowling.
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Doolan looked a bit out of his depth in the second dig, lots of outside edges. A tad reminiscent of Compton's final knock for England maybe. Marsh has the faith of the Aus management and may get away with it because he had less time to show whether he was in form or not. (Marsh has scored less than four in exactly half his Test knocks)
I think Elgar said he was a pie chucker himself, it was a filthy over to Lyon that got the final wicket :)
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I'd say they may keep Doolan in. I doubt that neither Marsh nor Watson are 100% fit. Would be a risk having them both in...
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also a bit harsh on either to be dropped one test after making 89 and 100 and plenty respectively!
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Interesting that warner thinks ABD was roughing up the ball with his glove.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-australia-2013-14/content/current/story/722643.html (http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-australia-2013-14/content/current/story/722643.html)
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Surely that's another case of mouth before brain?
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Surely that's another case of mouth before brain?
Brain? What brain :)
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Agreed he's not very bright but SA do have form.
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Agreed he's not very bright but SA do have form.
Every team have form don't they? It's just the dim ones who get caught.
Could it be that the Australians just aren't as proficient exponents of reverse? :)
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There's no doubt the Aussies don't work on the ball as well as most countries.
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Funny when Wasim and Waqar where masters of reverse it was cheating
How times change
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Petersen for de kock are as changes
Pattinson for siddle and Watson for marsh for aus
All 3 strange changes, de kock will have his confidence shot(especially as Peterson was so poor in first test)
Doolan looked baffled by duminys spin, and although marsh got a king pair, it was two good first balls.
And what's siddle done to be dropped?
Aus win toss and bowl
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Surprised at the aus changes tbh. After a period of relative stability they seem to be back to chopping and changing as soon as bye lose a game. Pattinson and Watson have to be risky selections given their injury history (both long and short term)
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I know they wanted Watson is for the extra bowling change, as apparently harris knee was great at the end of the last test, and Johnson was down on pace. But is pattinson for siddle a change to far?
We shall see
Anyway, Warner and Rodgers going at a better stroke rate in a test than England do in Odis, go figure.
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I know they wanted Watson is for the extra bowling change, as apparently harris knee was great at the end of the last test, and Johnson was down on pace. But is pattinson for siddle a change to far?
We shall see
Anyway, Warner and Rodgers going at a better stroke rate in a test than England do in Odis, go figure.
Not exactly difficult to beat the pedestrian rate England batted at last night. Even in the last few overs it was boring
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Not exactly difficult to beat the pedestrian rate England batted at last night. Even in the last few overs it was boring
Exactly.
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Steyn getting it to reverse slightly already....oh dear....
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Well batted davy warner. Ton up not even half way through the day.
Top scoring batsmen in test for 2014 too at a avg of 70plus. Not bad for a guy with very little brains when comes to other stuff.
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Steyn getting it to reverse slightly already....oh dear....
Faf's been working on the ball today ;)
big slow for SA with steyn off injured
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Clarke's struggling against the short ball.
Hit twice already, 2nd missed the helmet.
Clarke's got no clue
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Warner needs to get up the other end
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Fabulous to watch - real exciting test cricket. Pup getting it stuck up him and fighting!
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Clarke looking in trouble to the short ball.
England was right, shame we didnt have the bowlers good enough to exploit it.
Great hostile bowling from morkel
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To be fair, Clarke took it and looks to have pushed through... I wonder if all the bruises will seize up over the tea break!
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To be fair, Clarke took it and looks to have pushed through... I wonder if all the bruises will seize up over the tea break!
Clarke showing the bottle England didn't have in the ashes.
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And he's pushed through to his top score in 12 innings on the back of that hostile over. Showing strong character.
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Clarke will be battered and bruised but he is showing grit, plus the fact that you need to still be at the wicket to score runs!
Watson isn't a bad shout and it's refreshing to see that they have finally put him in batting where he should be! I reckon he'll do ok!
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I look forward to Watto coming in against the old ball and watching it reverse straight into his knee roll ;)
He'll get 100 off 80 now :)
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Anyone just see that leave from clarke? So close to leaving one on 99 that nipped back and castled him
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about an inch in it!
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Has Steve Smith proved he's good enough for test cricket yet??
He's done well so far in this series, and I recall a lot of people saying if he could do it against SA he was there.
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Smiths doing a good job. And I believe he will be around in test cricket for a while now. Barring injuries.
Are Australia struggling for money? Clark looks to have borrowed one of Rodgers arm guards. Not a pretty thing!
Looks like Watson is on the attack too, could be a good hour or so dependant.
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or until his form fades and he gets sent back to first class cricket.
Around the wicket off spin to Watson is not very smart.
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Smiths doing a good job. And I believe he will be around in test cricket for a while now. Barring injuries.
Are Australia struggling for money? Clark looks to have borrowed one of Rodgers arm guards. Not a pretty thing!
Looks like Watson is on the attack too, could be a good hour or so dependant.
Loving that arm guard! I am not sure he owns one so he had to get it from somewhere!
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What a knock from clarke so far. True grit, huge respect for him.
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I look forward to Watto coming in against the old ball and watching it reverse straight into his knee roll ;)
He'll get 100 off 80 now :)
I was half right...
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Well, Watson had a fiery 40, but haddin and Johnson haven't added much,
Duminy ripping through them....................
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It's windy out, huge danger of them covers taking off and taking a few groudnsmen with them!
Tis not even raining no more.
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Aggressive from Clarke by declaring with overcast conditions and it pays with smith already gone
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A quick second here and Australia could be in business
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I take at least two of those every weekend.... sure
Great catch from Haddin
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Amla's GOT to score big now.. And AB!!
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Pattinson strikes! I wonder what his brother is doing.............
Smiths only scored 42 runs this series. I didn't realise he was doing that bad!
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Big partnership needed between abv and amla needed!
If they lose one of these early is an aus win odds on?
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No, the track is just too flat. Plus SAF are batting deep now with Duminy at 7.
I can't see Australia taking 20 wickets.... unless in turns into Bunsun in the 2nd dig.
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That was a gem... not much you can do about that
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Nice edge from far there! Aussies bowlers looking good!
Faf got fined recently for wearing green laces, I think they should fine him for his new sponsor. It's awful!
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Aussie bowlers dominate yet again... Getting some credibility back I would say... Now it's time for our batsmen to do the job again
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Smith has retired....
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Was enjoying watching buck Rogers attempt to get in the t20 squad! Shame the lazy running cost him.
Warner looking impressive yet again. But it's a shame they sent Doolan out, should have bumped Watson upto 3 and attacked!
SA being very defensive bowling 2 foot outside off with duminy. Dissapointed.
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It's a joke when the No.1 ranked team bowls wides like that... Can't believe the ump is not calling them like they did in the 1st test.
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Moment has dropped! Doolan 5 of 30.
I want Rogers and his switch hits back(I expect some abuse about this being test cricket)
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It's negative bowling but it is understandable.
David Warner's body language is amusing... he looks so annoyed... yet he doesn't try and hit him (in the cricketing sense not the Root night club sense)... he is a strange bloke is Warner.
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It's negative bowling but it is understandable.
David Warner's body language is amusing... he looks so annoyed... yet he doesn't try and hit him (in the cricketing sense not the Root night club sense)... he is a strange bloke is Warner.
Apparently(was mentioened on cric info) Graeme smith was trying to wind Warner up last night by constantly mentioning joe root?
Not sure if it worked, but his last 30 balls he's gone from t20 mode. To you shall not get my wicket mode.
The lead could have been 450 plus by now had the last hour not been so negative from both sides.
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510 lead before declaration...sheer overkill.
Once lead reached 450, call them in.
The last 60 runs were perfunctory and have only given SA less overs to face if they have the wherewithal to eek out a draw.
Crazy, crazy stuff.
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you've gotta be prepared to lose to win , Vic ;)
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Guard of honour for Biff...I must confess, I have a lump in my throat.
I am going to miss the big lug.
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Fitting that Mitch got him
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Fitting that Mitch got him
Maybe so, but I am not being unpatriotic in saying that I wanted Smith to blaze one more half century before he went.
Sadly, it was not to be.
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The 'Great Wall of Faf' is in the house
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Bored bored bored. Lol.
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Just two sessions to hold out... Would be a nice way to send Biff off... :)
Cant see it happening thou....
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New ball will be the key, spinners having not effect.
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Nothing boring about this test match.. This is what it's all about. Some games you want drama of a tight run chase... this one is the drama of 'can they hold out'.. There is just as much skill in surviving as there is in blazing away to a glorious failure. test cricket!! love it
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Steve smith you beauty!! Game on.
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The whole team barking at Faf was kind of funny.
Some attacking intent from SAF... go Vernon!
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Come on SA... You can do it! 36 balls....
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30 now
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Opinions on that overturned decision, the rules says the 'hand holding the bat' but then the appendix's say that any part of the glove touching the bat is considered 'holding'.
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I'll be honest I didn't see it, care to elaborate?
Ahhhh 1 wicket left... Surely they can't do it now.
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Ryan Harris!!! You little beauty!!
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It's all over :(
Well played Australia. Big transition in power of test Cricket...
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What a sad end for SA. Well bowled by the Aussies though.
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Good and exciting game slightly ruined by bumble. I got the odi on the telly and test on the ipad. Unfortunatly sky go is delayed.
So aus still needed wickets and bumble says on the odi
"News from newlands, austalia have won!"
Spoiler alert!
Great game, SA thought to the end. Aus never gave up. Great advert for test cricket.
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Did anyone hear what Smith said to Warner whilst he was batting?
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Did anyone hear what Smith said to Warner whilst he was batting?
Thick slogger?
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Congratulations Australia, just a little too good over the course of the 3 matches.
Players like Warner and Johnson sustained their excellent form from the Ashes.
Ryan Harris, what can be said of this guy? A true warrior.
South Africa comes to the end of an era. The big 3 are all gone. Boucher, Kallis and Smith.
Some tough decisions need to be made ahead of the few Test series.
Is it time to discard Alviro Petersen? Who replaces Graeme Smith? Should Morne Morkel be axed? Most importantly who's gonna be skipper, AB or Faf?
At present the following players are certain for the 1st Test in SL
1. D Elgar
2. S van Zyl (my pick)
3. H Amla
4. AB de Villiers
5. F du Plessis
6. H Kuhn (w/k) (my pick)
7. JP Duminy
8. V Philander
9. S Harmer (my pick)
10. D Steyn
11. M de Lange (My pick)
We need a proper spinner. Elgar and Duminy are good 5/6 bowlers.
Id like to see Shaun von Berg or Simon Harmer given the opportunity to stake their claims.
Secondly who could be the third fast bowler? I'd like it to be Marchant de Lange. Morkel's had too many chances and he's just not learning.
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I like AB at four as this should the the position of your best batsman. Alviro might just get another chance as they might want to retain a opener with experience, but that would be his only saving grace. Our old problem of looking for a wicket taking spinner seems to continue, so might as well give Harmer a go in spinner friendly conditions.
Not sure if Morkel will be dropped, but would be great to get a fully fit De Lange back into the fold. The wicket keeper is a position that will be an interesting decision.
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What an incredible test!
What an unbelievable series!
Every time SA and Aus play off, there is always high drama, epic tests, heroic performances and this series was no exception!
Hats off to the Saffers for showing guts and determination to almost survive the "Longest Day".
Never mind the on-field shenanigans, both teams genuinely like and respect each other.
Test cricket...nothing beats it!
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What an incredible test!
What an unbelievable series!
Every time SA and Aus play off, there is always high drama, epic tests, heroic performances and this series was no exception!
Hats off to the Saffers for showing guts and determination to almost survive the "Longest Day".
Never mind the on-field shenanigans, both teams genuinely like and respect each other.
Test cricket...nothing beats it!
Vic you nailed it respect!
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I'm English but I watched SA vs Aus yesterday instead of that tripe on Sky Sports two. Nothing beats a test match on day 5.
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I'm English but I watched SA vs Aus yesterday instead of that tripe on Sky Sports two. Nothing beats a test match on day 5.
Likewise....I actually watched the end of that in favour of the WI/Eng ODI!
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I watched both,
Test match was on the larger format though. And odi just in the corner incase something happened....
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I am in the same boat as Smiley, one on the telly, one on the laptop...
I must admit I was definitely more interested in the test match. Pure theatre!
I found the WI ODI series a tad boring... maybe it was just the pitch...
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I am in the same boat as Smiley, one on the telly, one on the laptop...
I must admit I was definitely more interested in the test match. Pure theatre!
I found the WI ODI series a tad boring... maybe it was just the pitch...
There was 3 exciting bits, one when root was in the 90s, one were butler was in the 90s. And the 2balls random was in his 90s!
I love I batsman to get a ton(especially when it's a first as them 2 were first odi tons, and one would have been). As I like to see any player reach achievements. And get nervous when watching. Lol
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Agree, I was even excited when David Warner was in the 90's for his second ton... until he started kicking the ball away and stopped trying to score... that wore on even my patience...
I was nervous for Michael Clarke (even though he had 27 hundreds or whatever he has... I just thought that innings deserved the 3 figures after getting Morkelled). He was nervous too with his bat calling and running. JP Duminy was just so relaxed in his 90s... he must be a really chilled out guy considering he was fighting for his spot in this series.
I was also nervous for Harris when he was on 99 wickets (as he genuinely might never play another test match).
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7 over slog
SA already off to a slow start.
Amla slogging looks horrible and gets out.
Maybe miller should have opened
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7 overs is when you need Richard Levi!
Some huge amounts of sawdust used!
Hogg playing at 43! Go on son.
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De cock going big guns now,
Why only bowl Hogg one over? He went for 5 yet the quickies have been smashed! All I'm double figure economies.
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De cock going big guns now,
Why only bowl Hogg one over? He went for 5 yet the quickies have been smashed! All I'm double figure economies.
aussies seem to want a bigger score to chase?
fielding was pretty poor, warner not going for 2 catches, faf giving a massive edge to the keeper and the bowler not appealing
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Pitch just tried to kill benhardien!!
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And Warner looking so good. 21 of first over!
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Think someone's gunna need to have a word with Warner and tell him to play abit more aggressively. He's only on 20 off 7 balls.
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Warner's bat looks heavily oiled. ???
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Shame it's only 7 over game, some massive 6's already!
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Warner got himself out with that swithhit. Atleast have a look(tells you his confidence levels)
Maxwell gone too.
4 down! As said shame its a 7over game. Hopefully the final t20 gets a weather break and is on.
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Pretty decent entertaining game.
Hodge showed his class and experience to finish that off.
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Yep not a bad game from the oldies there. Lol.
Very entertaining watch.
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Facial injury! Shrey not involved shocker.
De kock seems okay now though, think it was initial shock.
Warner rested, as is Christian, cam white and henriques in for aus
De villeirs in for benherdian for SA.
No rain
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Probably just me watching. But south africa having a mare. 75 for 5 after 13.
De kock on 40 odd but rest havent looked to bother the scorer much.
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Looks to me like a pointless fixture. Players don't seem interested.
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Though it has turned its hardly an Asian wicket. Hardly great prep for the world t20.
Sent from my HTC One mini using Tapatalk
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Theu had constant rain for a week, and had to erect a marque to prepare the pitch.
Not sure they would have had chance to prepare what they want.
Aussies bossing this.
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Who's celebration is more annoying tahir or bresnan
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Who's celebration is more annoying tahir or bresnan
Both shouldn't be playing int cricket.. Hopefully someone will realise it at some point
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Both shouldn't be playing int cricket.. Hopefully someone will realise it at some point
Bit harsh.
Bresnan has been a very good consistent performer over the past few years. Rushed back from injury into a team all at sea and never really had chance to get a good run of form going.
Admittedly, he got a bit of tap in the last match, but wasn't the worst bowler on show. Got a couple of wickets. Match before he was no worse than any other English "quickie", and got runs as well.
Didn't do too badly in Australia, probably shouldn't have played after one second string match.
If you could pick your strongest, best balanced England team, he may not be in it, but he wouldn't be that far away to say "never play international cricket".
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Who's celebration is more annoying tahir or bresnan
or Dernbach?
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Bit harsh.
Bresnan has been a very good consistent performer over the past few years. Rushed back from injury into a team all at sea and never really had chance to get a good run of form going.
Admittedly, he got a bit of tap in the last match, but wasn't the worst bowler on show. Got a couple of wickets. Match before he was no worse than any other English "quickie", and got runs as well.
Didn't do too badly in Australia, probably shouldn't have played after one second string match.
If you could pick your strongest, best balanced England team, he may not be in it, but he wouldn't be that far away to say "never play international cricket".
Not being the worst bowler isn't a reason to have him. He's a good player though, just not really int class
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Not being the worst bowler isn't a reason to have him. He's a good player though, just not really int class
He has a average in tests of 32 and a bit with the ball. Anderson, Broad and Finn are around the 30 mark, so he is not far behind them.
He has the best batting average of them (26), which, to be fair is a very useful average for a number 8.
Therefore, taking all this in to consideration, he is a long way from "worst". I think he would make a lot of peoples England squad.