Custom Bats Cricket Forum
General Cricket => Latest Matches => Topic started by: Buzz on December 15, 2010, 10:21:33 AM
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The series between the two top ranked teams is about to take place in SA - it should be a cracker. This is the review on Cricinfo - which I think is very accurate... No mention of Kallis in this though, I think the key battles will be Stein vs Sehwag (I would pay serious money to watch this) and Zaheer vs Smith.
for the record, I think the Saffa's may just shade it as their fielding and catching is traditionally better than the Indians and in a series as close as this the small things will make the difference
Top-of-table clash too tight to call
Sidharth Monga in Centurion
December 14, 2010
It's there in the rarefied air of the Highveld. It's on the radio, it's being talked about in pubs even during a Manchester United-Arsenal game, it's on the streets, it will soon be seen from the grass banks. The No. 1 Test side in the world is here for a three-Test series, no longer the miserable tourists of the past, still with history against them. South Africa are ready, they are going to spice the pitches up a bit, they are going to try and make a move towards the ranking that was theirs before India took it away. It is a series that could define both the teams, but with two days to go the prudent thing to do is to sit on the fence and not call any favourites, as the following breakdown shows.
Top orders
Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir are arguably the best opening combination going around today, but they haven't been tested in seamer-friendly conditions consistently by bowlers of the calibre of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. Still it would need a very good combination to hold an edge over Sehwag and Gambhir. Graeme Smith is as tough as they come, and Alviro Petersen scored a century on debut against India. However, if Sehwag and Gambhir have to face a test of conditions, Zaheer Khan holds a mental edge over Smith. As it often happens, and as it might happen for the series overall, this one might just come down to Sehwag.
Following the openers we have one of the best Nos 3 ever, and another who is in the form of his life. Rahul Dravid is usually just the man for overcast and seamer-friendly conditions, but he last faced such a test in Australia in 2007-08. Since then he has had dips in form, he has been hit by a bouncer that made him miss a Test for only the second time in his career, and there have been calls for younger blood. That there was no question about his selection is testimony to his value to the team, and he is coming off a 191 against New Zealand. Hashim Amla is the most Indian of batsmen you will get to see out of India, and he has serenely and surely been scoring runs by the truckloads. Since he came to India earlier this year, he has averaged 88 in Tests and 76 in ODIs. It is tough to argue against such a No. 3.
Between awe and toughness, reputation and form, it is difficult to stick a neck out here.
Middle orders The Nos 4 of the two teams are absolute legends and have been around forever. In the last series, both of them scored centuries, and nothing much is expected to change there. Sachin Tendulkar is having one of his best years with the bat, Jacques Kallis is not out of form either. Has he ever been? Tendulkar knows the conditions as well as any batsman not South African. You wouldn't bet against Kallis either, who has already scored four centuries this year, and can also bowl pretty mean bouncers and outswingers if needed.
VVS Laxman at No. 5 carries bundles of class and a first-class degree in crisis management with him, AB de Villiers the confidence from having just scored the highest individual score for a South African. However, like Dravid, Laxman hasn't put his fire-fighting skills to test on spicy pitches under overcast skies for a long time. Does that make de Villiers more reliable? Still hard to tell.
Ashwell Prince and Suresh Raina are relative weak links, but Prince's experience and knowledge of home conditions edge out Raina. South Africa might hold a slight edge here, but Tendulkar and Laxman are not batsmen to be written off.
Wicketkeepers
Mark Boucher is more likely to score important lower-order runs than MS Dhoni, if only because the conditions suit his game better. Behind the stumps, there isn't much between them. If Dhoni is flashy with stumpings, he has been a touch slow going for the catches to his right. South Africa hold a slight advantage here, but in the final equation it might not count for a lot.
Spinners
India hold an edge here, but the conditions might negate the spinners as attacking options. Harbhajan, though, will love the bounce on offer after a long season on slow Indian tracks. Don't forget what Lord Harris did to India in the deciding Test on the last tour.
Fast bowlers
Tight. Very tight. You would want to back South Africa with Steyn and Morkel arguably being the most dangerous opening bowling combination. It's the third seamer's slot where India level the scales. Zaheer, Ishant Sharma and Sreesanth are all aggressive bowlers, all three capable of utilising helpful conditions. There is a rider, though. Except for Zaheer, you are never quite sure what you will get from the Indian seamers. Ishant and Sreesanth can be very good on their days, but on an off day they can be very bad. With Steyn and Morkel, you are assured of a degree of control.
Zaheer's fitness remains dodgy. He did bowl in the nets today, making the Indian camp feel better, but they were still not completely certain that Zaheer will make it for the first Test. If he doesn't, South Africa will have a clear advantage.
Slip catching
In seaming conditions, there will be quite a few coming the slippers way. If there is such a thing called catching form, Dravid hasn't been in it. He also injured his finger while dropping one against New Zealand, and is not even sure if he will be standing in the slips. Tendulkar has been out of slips for some time now, with an injured finger, and Laxman's back doesn't let him stay there for long durations. Expect to see a lot of Sehwag and Raina there.
South Africa are not sure of Smith's presence there he recently fractured a finger but Kallis and de Villiers provide their cordon a more stable look.
Final equation
On paper, nothing gives. It could come down to what kind of mental state the Indian batsmen are in. Collectively and individually, South Africa is the only country where they have failed to compete consistently. Tendulkar's average falls from 57 overall to 40 in South Africa, Dravid's from 53 to 34, Sehwag's from 55 to 26, and Laxman's from 48 to 41. Consequently, just one win in 12 attempts. They all know they need to correct it, but how much does that play on their minds? It might not matter much if India get off to a good start, but history which says something about India's dislike for the conditions here gives South Africa the slight advantage.
Equally South Africa have a relatively modern history to correct after having failed to close out two Tests against England last season. They have not won either of their last two home series, both against top opposition. That just makes their advantage even slighter. If this is not dead even, it is the closest thing to it.
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Series being billed as Steyn & Morkel vs Sehwag is quite fitting. The 3 match winners from both sides.
If Zaheer is injured, then India has major problems. As mentioned above Zaheer is all over Graeme Smith. In my mind if you keep Smith quiet, you can get on top off SA.
India needs to ditch Raina for Pujara. Raina will be bombarded with bumpers and he can't handle them.
I was surprised SA didn't recall Jacques Rudolph in place of Alviro Petersen, he's had a poor run recently.
I don't agree that India has the better spinner either. Harbhajan is poor away from India and in recent times forgotten how to spin the ball. I would've loved to see R Ashwin take Harbhajan's place.
Tight series that could go either way. 2-1 SA
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SA to win as India do not travel well.
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Series being billed as Steyn & Morkel vs Sehwag is quite fitting. The 3 match winners from both sides.
If Zaheer is injured, then India has major problems. As mentioned above Zaheer is all over Graeme Smith. In my mind if you keep Smith quiet, you can get on top off SA.
India needs to ditch Raina for Pujara. Raina will be bombarded with bumpers and he can't handle them.
I was surprised SA didn't recall Jacques Rudolph in place of Alviro Petersen, he's had a poor run recently.
I don't agree that India has the better spinner either. Harbhajan is poor away from India and in recent times forgotten how to spin the ball. I would've loved to see R Ashwin take Harbhajan's place.
Tight series that could go either way. 2-1 SA
Jeet - i posted this mainly topic mainly for you!! I think your assessment of Harbhajan is harsh - but then you have seen more of him than me. The Saffas will stick with Pietersen as they see something in him.
For me AB De Villiers is now SA's best bat - (which is saying something given they have Amla, Kallis and Smith) so if he has a big series it will be huge for them.
What about Dravid - will this be his last tour or will he finish in England - where he started?
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Jeet - i posted this mainly topic mainly for you!! I think your assessment of Harbhajan is harsh - but then you have seen more of him than me. The Saffas will stick with Pietersen as they see something in him.
For me AB De Villiers is now SA's best bat - (which is saying something given they have Amla, Kallis and Smith) so if he has a big series it will be huge for them.
What about Dravid - will this be his last tour or will he finish in England - where he started?
As far as I'm know, Dravid, Laxman and Sachin want series victories in SA and Oz before retiring.
India has an insane schedule for next year WC, tour of WI, tour of Eng and tour of Oz, so it's possible that the old guard could fazed out. Dravid is most under threat, he's been slack vs the big teams in recent times.
I've never really been a Harbhajan fan. Attitude, behaviour and ego make it difficult to like him. He's stuck in the Ganguly mentality, get under the skin of the opposition. Coupled with him being labelled as 'India's best off spinner', which is a joke. Prasanna was vastly superior!
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I see your point about getting smith cheaply helping out, but with Amla, Kallis and AB (not to mention Pieterson who is no mug with that bat) i think they have possibly the best top order in world cricket right now (very closely followed by India).
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I see your point about getting smith cheaply helping out, but with Amla, Kallis and AB (not to mention Pieterson who is no mug with that bat) i think they have possibly the best top order in world cricket right now (very closely followed by India).
I read somewhere that other than Kallis and Boucher, the rest average considerably less at home. AB averages something like 36 compared to his career average of 45+.
If stats should be believed, it will come down to the bowlers, which would make a great series.
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If it does come down to the bowlers and Zaheer doesnt play id say SA are probably favourites.
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Hope the stadiums wont be empty like last time! Makes such a difference to the atmosphere and the players
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I read somewhere that other than Kallis and Boucher, the rest average considerably less at home. AB averages something like 36 compared to his career average of 45+.
If stats should be believed, it will come down to the bowlers, which would make a great series.
Bolderdash Jeet if your batsman fail India fail your only real class is Zaheer.
There great potential in the others but they have been on the circuit a while now and have not been consistent.
India are on the wain i suspect South Africa to win the series comfortably if there bowlers have success against your top 5 that the key battle for me...
South Africa will score runs against your attack and i struggle to see were 20 wickets are coming from
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India are in a deep hole with Zaheer all but ruled out. I can't understand why neither Munaf or RP Singh are in squad. Jaidev Unadkat or Umesh Yadav will certainly debut. I'd go with Unadkat as he's a left armer
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Bolderdash Jeet if your batsman fail India fail your only real class is Zaheer.
Barring SA, who have Steyn and Morkel, no other country has two world class seamers. Maybe Pakistan, but Asif and Amir are banned.
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I think we have been here before i would take England Attack over India all day every day but i going to leave this SA v India which should be a good series.
The Little Master v The blaster
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The Little Master v The blaster
I'm looking forward to Sehwag vs Steyn. Could be brilliant
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as i have said mate i think there only one contest your batting v there bowling could be explosive and very good tv
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South Africas batting is on par with India but their bowling attack is far superior.
Having said that Id love to see Sehwag flay the Saffas..or will Steyn clean him up early ???
Gonna be a hell of a series nevertheless and hopefully the locals will come out and support Test match cricket
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SA win toss and bowl - Cant wait for Steyn v Sehwag!!!
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Can't see India winning at Centurion if I'm honest.
Dhoni's made an own goal by sticking with Raina and the loss of Zaheer is massive.
Surprised SA didn't include McClaren in place of Harris.
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IMO - harris is awful, Sehwag & Co should tear him apart! Might be wrong though..
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IMO - harris is awful, Sehwag & Co should tear him apart! Might be wrong though..
If Steyn does what he does best, Harris will be in for his fielding lol
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Dont forget the Nightwatchmen role ;)
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Dont forget the Nightwatchmen role ;)
lol true
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Gambhir gets away with one first up! I thought it was dead duck!
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Sehwag gone for 0!
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How comes they arent using DRS in this series? I swear it was available in SA last winter when England played there
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How comes they arent using DRS in this series? I swear it was available in SA last winter when England played there
The Indians don't like it
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Well i did think that, but, i was under the impression that if the host broadcaster has the ability to provide the technology that they had to use it now?
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I think both home & away Cricket associations pay towards the costs & therefore have to agree to use it
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I think both home & away Cricket associations pay towards the costs & therefore have to agree to use it
Thought that there was some consternation in Aus because the broadcaster was paying and it was a cheap copy of Hawk-eye?
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http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-india-2010/content/story/489748.html
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dale steyn, you are quality... ridiculous!
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86-6 - really not pretty for the indians. Morkel and Steyn have run through the top order...
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the Saffers look like they're bowling very well and look pretty rapid at that ......
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Harbahjan looks like a kid wearing his dads kit
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Take a bow Mark Boucher! Outstanding!
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Steyn and Morkel are both truly out of this world. How many times you see a green top and the bowlers getting carried away with the movement. No chance of that with Steyn and Morkel.
Once again Raina fails and a superior batsman(Pujara) is carrying the drinks. Indian selectors get paid too much and are useless. I'd do the job for 10% of their wage and get the correct players in the starting XI.
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Just out of interest Jeet what would your starting 11 be for india? Also what do you think of Laxman?
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Only shame for SA was that Steyn and Morkel didn't have a more potent 3rd seamer. Tsotsobe was mediocre. If they had someone better India wouldn't have reached 50!
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Just out of interest Jeet what would your starting 11 be for india? Also what do you think of Laxman?
Gambhir
Sehwag
Pujara
Sachin
VVS
Dravid
Dhoni
Ashwin
Zaheer
Ishant
Munaf/RP Singh
This is only for this series. With Zaheer injured I'd would liked Irfan Pathan to play but he's got a serious back injury.
Laxman and Dravid are both under pressure from Kohli and Rahane. Also someone solid like Badrinath. Time has caught up with Dravid and Laxman.
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I think Chopra deserves another chance in the team. Rahane also is pushing for a place. Players like Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan etc have been affected by playing too much one day stuff. Abhinav Mukund should be brought along slowly
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India are notorious slow starters on seaming, swinging wickets. Once they get used to the conditions I am sure they will win the series!!
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As suggested before India's batsman v SA bowlers
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I think Chopra deserves another chance in the team. Rahane also is pushing for a place. Players like Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan etc have been affected by playing too much one day stuff. Abhinav Mukund should be brought along slowly
Chopra is getting on abit now. The rest should be in over the next 18-24 months.
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man, morkel and steyn were impressive
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Saffas look number 1 at home no question. Steyn and Morkel are a joy to watch, absolute masterclass! Any else notice how jumpy sky's cameras were, bit awkward to watch!?
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flat track bullys getting ripped apart away from home!
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flat track bullys getting ripped apart away from home!
Yeah I saw Johnson rip the Poms to shreds
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Saffas look number 1 at home no question. Steyn and Morkel are a joy to watch, absolute masterclass! Any else notice how jumpy sky's cameras were, bit awkward to watch!?
I dont think they are sky's cameras, it will be the home broadcaster who provide them with a feed
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105-0 - Saffa's handing out a pasting at the moment... Jeet the sage predicted the 3 overs for 27 from Harbhajan
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105-0 - Saffa's handing out a pasting at the moment... Jeet the sage predicted the 3 overs for 27 from Harbhajan
This match is as good as won for SA. Ishant bowling well, but Sreesanth, Harbhajan and Unadkat look pitiful
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Smith gone!
india suck though!
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india suck though!
Really invaluable information
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If I had a tenner, I'd stick it on Amla to score his 4th consecutive Test ton vs India
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It's an odd one - Teams 1 & 2 in the world and can only rustle up 3 decent bowlers between them. Support bowling toilet from the limited highlights I've seen. Harris ought to be done under the trade description act.
Not many great bowlers in world cricket total - Johnson's breeze induced haul excluded, Aus look average and England do at times. First team to put out 4 decent accurate bowlers will go straight to number 1.
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Really true information
looks like you are turning a corner mate ;)
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If I had a tenner, I'd stick it on Amla to score his 4th consecutive Test ton vs India
Just watching a bit of this in the office - looking at how amla is playing Harbhajan is interesting - he is moving his feet outside the line of offstump forcing the spinner to either bowl wider - thus creating space to hit through the offside or straighter - allowing the ball to be worked into the leg side for runs. This works on a number of levels as it takes out the LBW (outside the line) and Bowled (pads in the way!) from the off-spinners armoury...
I would be interested to see how Swann would react to being played like that
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Yeah I saw Johnson rip the Poms to shreds
yet we are 1-0 up :S
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I have to say . .i think Zaheer Khan is vital to India's chances in the series. The bowling is lack lustre without him. For all the promise that Ishant showed when he burst onto the scene, he hasnt delivered. How many of the indian bowlers would get into a world 2nd XI let alone first XI. i dont really rate Harbajan as a world XI bowler.
their batting is suspect on bouncy tracks, you cant expect the great Tendulkar to get them out of jail every time. i think the Proteas are gonna teach them a lesson. Their record away from home in recent times is average at best.
i dont think their is a best side in the world at the moment. the gap has narrowed between the sides after the retirements of waugh, hayden, mcgrath, warne, gilchrist, langer et al
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Stat of the day (thanks to Cricinfo): "In 2010 Kallis and Amla have so far scored 948 runs in partnerships with each other in only 8 innings at an average of 158."
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Yeah I saw Johnson rip the Poms to shreds
so defensive Jeet why when i suspect your a pom too
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If I had a tenner, I'd stick it on Amla to score his 4th consecutive Test ton vs India
Bet you wish you had that tenner now!
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Amla really has had a good year hasnt he. Looks so comfortable at the crease
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Bet you wish you had that tenner now!
i think I'll stick 20 on him to make it 5 consecutive tons at Durban, especially as it's his home ground.
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Stat of the day (thanks to Cricinfo): "In 2010 Kallis and Amla have so far scored 948 runs in partnerships with each other in only 8 innings at an average of 158."
Second stat of the day: This year Amla averages about 610 against india. :o
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This thread has been an interesting read. India, as expected, hopeless away from home. India should get some young blood in there. Transition period?
Dont agree with the comment regarding England. We have the best test team in the world straight up. One mitchell johnson spell wont go cover up almost 8 days of being outplayed prior to that.
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The match proves one thing kallis is pure class and one of the greatest all rounders ever
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Dont agree with the comment regarding England. We have the best test team in the world straight up. One mitchell johnson spell wont go cover up almost 8 days of being outplayed prior to that.
If England were the best team in the world, we would be number one in the standings. We aren't though are we?
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If we make a huge comeback tomorrow then we (eng) will be in with a shout of eventually becoming the best team in the world, be we aren't there yet - the Saffa team is better than ours at the moment and has performed consistently well home and away for a while now. This Ashes tour and against India in the summer will show if we are close to being number two or not.
Watching this game today though - yesterday the pitch looked damp and gree and today it looked like a batting paradise. Some of the Indian bowling was very very poor. Kallis and Amla's hundreds were totally enevitable.
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If England were the best team in the world, we would be number one in the standings. We aren't though are we?
If you go by the rankings and statistics, then Flintoff was just another average cricketer. Dont fool yourself into thinking rankings and stats mean anything.
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Flintoff was just a good cricketer who had a couple of great series. Overated in my opinion. Stats don't lie.
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Flintoff stats might not be the best. . .but for me he turned it on when it mattered.
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he did it in 2 ashes series aand one against south africa, from what I remember. his batting was so frustrating!
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He is a slightly better version of afridi in my opinion
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Flintoff was a presence but never relay found the true class he had..
He was good but could have been consistent and better
Injury's took there toll listen Bumble will tell you how good he was
Even as a junior that was Flintoff batting wise he would smash a rapid 20 ball 50 then get out with only 70 needed from 30 overs.
He was a breed to himself a real cricketer who just loved to play
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anyway, whats freddie gotta do with india and south africa
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Flintoff played with a lot of heart, always put 100% in, great to watch
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De Villiers!! :o monster!
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Big changes will have to be made from India. The top heavy batting lineup has been completely exposed by 2 quality quicks.
The lack of quick bowling talent needs to be rectified bigtime. Saffers are clearly the best allround Test team in the world.
India still cant get over the tag of poor travellers. Funny how the roles are reversed in the shorter form of the game!
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India are flat track bullies.
Can not travel and I feel that they do not place cricket outside their own country in high regard and that shows when they travel abroad.
They arrived two to three days before this test in S.A, compare that with England's Ashes preparation
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India are flat track bullies.
Can not travel and I feel that they do not place cricket outside their own country in high regard and that shows when they travel abroad.
They arrived two to three days before this test in S.A, compare that with England's Ashes preparation
With series wins in England, NZ and WI is shows India's record overseas is improving. India where mighty close to winning in OZ as well, but more some questionable umpiring.
11 of the 15 man squad arrived in SA 10 days before the 1st Test. Spending time in Gary Kirsten's academy.
If India are FTB's, would does it make their opposition? Why can't India's opponents pile on the runs when they go to India?
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For me AB De Villiers is now SA's best bat - (which is saying something given they have Amla, Kallis and Smith) so if he has a big series it will be huge for them.
some knock today from AB.
I don't believe that the Indians are flat track bullies at all - I think loosing the toos had a massive impact on this game - the pitch has dried out noticably - what happens in the second innings should be interesting.
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With series wins in England, NZ and WI is shows India's record overseas is improving. India where mighty close to winning in OZ as well, but more some questionable umpiring.
11 of the 15 man squad arrived in SA 10 days before the 1st Test. Spending time in Gary Kirsten's academy.
If India are FTB's, would does it make their opposition? Why can't India's opponents pile on the runs when they go to India?
There should be no shame in this, teams around the world will prepare wickets to suit their selves. in this case, india prepare very flat wickets that they feel their batsmen are best suited to, this has brought them much success of recent times, however, when they travel abroad - as we have seen in this test, their batting line up is far more fragile and can collapse without the safety of that draw wicket, jeet, india are not the only country guilty of this so please stop looking to take offence when people highlight the fast that swing and seam are alien to your batsmen, the 136 all out was a good example of why they get called flat track bullies.
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There should be no shame in this, teams around the world will prepare wickets to suit their selves. in this case, india prepare very flat wickets that they feel their batsmen are best suited to, this has brought them much success of recent times, however, when they travel abroad - as we have seen in this test, their batting line up is far more fragile and can collapse without the safety of that draw wicket, jeet, india are not the only country guilty of this so please stop looking to take offence when people highlight the fast that swing and seam are alien to your batsmen, the 136 all out was a good example of why they get called flat track bullies.
If you're telling me that one batting collapse deems some of greatest batsmen off all time FTB's, then you really have limited knowledge of cricket.
On day 1, with the damp pitch, no batting side would've lived with Steyn and Morkel.
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would they be the "greatest batsmen of all time" if they had played anywhere else but india?
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would they be the "greatest batsmen of all time" if they had played anywhere else but india?
Look at their records before making your bizarre claims.
Well Lara, Ponting, Hayden, Gilchrist etc all greats, none played for India....
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you referred to the Indian batting line up as having some of the greatest batsmen of all time. i cannot argue that the likes of tendulkar, dravid, sehwag, laxman are not highly skilful, infact i have a lot of admiration for them and all of them would make runs wherever they play, however, would they have made the sheer volume of test match runs that they had if it wasnt for the typically indian flat tracks?
i am of course expecting a barrage of statistics to show me how i am so wrong, and im sure you will take this as a massive insult to your idols, but everyone is entitled to an opinion and for me its a lot easier to make runs on flat, dead pitches than seaming green tops where you do get that one ball with your name on it no matter how well you bat.
im more than willing to discuss my views, to be proved wrong and to be proved right, but please dont try to draw me in to an argument simply because we are talking about your team
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would they have made the sheer volume of test match runs that they had if it wasn't for the typically indian flat tracks?
So they can't be great because their born in a country where pitches are naturally flatter, due to climatic conditions.
I do have one suggestion, go and ask Ricky Ponting if Indian pitches are very easy to score runs on.
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guys calm down - I think you are all taking this too personally and seeing an argument when there is only debate. I have deleted some of the posts and will lock this for now.
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Second test started today and the Indians staged a bit of a fight back... (so I have unlocked this topic - please keep it friendly!)
I thing the Master's bat looks ready for a re-furb - http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/image/494141.html?page=2
!
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That is his lucky bat.
if India can 260 ish. . .game on i think. . .with Zaheer back, they will have a bit more strength in the bowling dept.
it was a big toss to win though. . . .still not out of by any means. after day 1
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After watching them in this and the first test i,am sorry but if there any lateral movement India are struggling and to be fair as i have said all along India bowling is not strong enough if there batsman fail to bring them back into it..
I may eat my words but doubt it i have seen nothing apart from South Africa dominating..
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its all about survival, nice to see the bowlers dominating on a fair test match wicket, its what test cricket needs
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Jeet seems to have gone very quiet... where are u buddy?? 8)
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Decent sort of day for India. Better application than in Joburg, but slightly disappointing that no one got a big score despite everyone getting starts.
Pujara looked twice the player Raina was in Joburg.
Slight worry was that Steyn hurt his groin.
Jeet seems to have gone very quiet... where are u buddy?? 8)
Have been enjoying watching Gavin Henson's return to Rugby
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India fans pinch yourself, Amla has fallen before scoring a 100!
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oooft, well bowled zaheer!
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Chin up Kallis, that has to be the worst way to get out!
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Got to say this has really thrown this game wide open now. Surprised Jeet isnt on here today ;)
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Got to say this has really thrown this game wide open now. Surprised Jeet isnt on here today ;)
India fans pinch yourself, Amla has fallen before scoring a 100!
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Just seen that this lad just hit a 69 ball 102 and looked at his first class record
http://www.espncricinfo.com/indiandomestic2010/content/current/player/277916.html
Surely a future Indian star?
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Just seen that this lad just hit a 69 ball 102 and looked at his first class record
[url]http://www.espncricinfo.com/indiandomestic2010/content/current/player/277916.html[/url]
Surely a future Indian star?
He's regarded very highly but there's competition for spots. He's competing with Pujara and Kohli. But in the long run, Pujara, Rahane and Kohli will bat 3, 4 and 5 for India.
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Chin up Kallis, that has to be the worst way to get out!
Could be worst, he could've gotten out to pie chucker Sreesanth
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I could be eating my words here Jeet
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Could be worst, he could've gotten out to pie chucker Sreesanth
loved sreesanths dismissal when he was batting, charged morkel on his forst and only ball, skied it and was caught and just ran off to start bowling
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No batsman seems to want to hang around in this match.
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Wicketfest
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He's regarded very highly but there's competition for spots. He's competing with Pujara and Kohli. But in the long run, Pujara, Rahane and Kohli will bat 3, 4 and 5 for India.
I have a feeling that Abishek Nayar could end up as your number 6, doing a Kallis role, he's looked the part from what I've seen!
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Praful Waghela's got that ;)
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Pandey is the man for India middle order - has time to play his shots and is great fielder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQAD_ygfS_g
funnily enough it is nayar he catches here - his grip v. low on bat handle...
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I have a feeling that Abishek Nayar could end up as your number 6, doing a Kallis role, he's looked the part from what I've seen!
Nayar will never play Test cricket whilst MSD is captain. MSD doesn't rate Nayar.
Pujara needs to bat higher as well
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let pujara settle @6 then let him move up once established
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Nayar will never play Test cricket whilst MSD is captain. MSD doesn't rate Nayar.
Pujara needs to bat higher as well
Well I don't think much to Dhoni, I'd rather Nayar in my side than him. Don't think much to Dhoni's keeping, it's sloppy, and his batting is hit and miss!
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Think of Dhoni like Brearley - it's his personality rather than his acumen or ability that manifests itself in his captaincy; he's as hard as nails basically :)
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Think of Dhoni like Brearley - it's his personality rather than his acumen or ability that manifests itself in his captaincy; he's as hard as nails basically :)
But to be fair mate, Brearley's multiple times the captain Dhoni will ever be! He's not even that good a tactician!
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Well I don't think much to Dhoni, I'd rather Nayar in my side than him. Don't think much to Dhoni's keeping, it's sloppy, and his batting is hit and miss!
Personally MSD is a fine leader and more importantly he wants to captain India, whereas guys like Sachin, Dravid don't want the job.
Nayar averages 46 with bat and 29 with ball, not good enough at either batting or bowling
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hopefully south africa have a run chase of 230-260 in the 4th inns, cant remember the last time i saw a realistic 4th inns run chase in terms of time or runs required.
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Personally MSD is a fine leader and more importantly he wants to captain India, whereas guys like Sachin, Dravid don't want the job.
Nayar averages 46 with bat and 29 with ball, not good enough at either batting or bowling
Better bowling average than Sree or Sharma, and you never know, he could come good, think about Vaughan and Trescothick, he might flourish at test level!
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Better bowling average than Sree or Sharma, and you never know, he could come good, think about Vaughan and Trescothick, he might flourish at test level!
I think Nayar could be a decent number 7, his technique is slightly loose around off stump coupled with his all ways very aggressive so batting at 7 he would add balance. For Nayar to be more useful, the return of Irfan Pathan would be very benefical. As Nayar and Irfan at 7 and 8 adds depth to batting.
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I think Nayar could be a decent number 7, his technique is slightly loose around off stump coupled with his all ways very aggressive so batting at 7 he would add balance. For Nayar to be more useful, the return of Irfan Pathan would be very benefical. As Nayar and Irfan at 7 and 8 adds depth to batting.
Those 2, combined with Zaheer, Ashwin/Bhaji and another seamer would make for a very, very good attack...
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Those 2, combined with Zaheer, Ashwin/Bhaji and another seamer would make for a very, very good attack...
Regarding the spinner, now that Harbhajan has taken a 4 wicket haul, he's safe for another 50 odd Tests. But in the real picture an attack of Zaheer, Irfan, Ashwin, Nayar and one of Ishant, Yadav, Ojha, Munaf, Praveen Kumar etc (depending on conditions) would be quite a handful.
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I've just been watching Laxman this morning, and for all that is said about his grace and elegance... He doesn't look that elegant when he bats?
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agreed, i dont get it with him, it just doesnt look pretty to me
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But he has been gritty and determined.
Khan has been sooooo lucky - how he wasn't given LBW as it was as plumb as I have ever seen!
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Could you argue Laxman is the best Indian batsmen on boncier tracks such as Australia & South Africa.
Plays the ball at the top of the bounce
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I wouldn't say that Laxman is the best in any respect with the likes of Tendulkar/Sehwag/Dravid/etc in the batting line up! It's the same way as Collingwood is in the England set up - gritty and fires well when he's on form. (Although I would rate Laxman as a far better and more complete batsman than Collingwood obviously!)
But Laxman has his job to do and they did state that he has a better average in the 2nd batting innings than the first - so he is mentally strong!!
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has a habit of taking the game away from opposition in second innings, very useful
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just watching this now, arent those forma helmets the most ugly piece of kit youve ever seen?
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I wouldn't say that Laxman is the best in any respect with the likes of Tendulkar/Sehwag/Dravid/etc in the batting line up! It's the same way as Collingwood is in the England set up - gritty and fires well when he's on form. (Although I would rate Laxman as a far better and more complete batsman than Collingwood obviously!)
But Laxman has his job to do and they did state that he has a better average in the 2nd batting innings than the first - so he is mentally strong!!
VVS is every bit as good as Sachin, Dravid & Sehwag - it's just his misfortune that he had to bat at 5 & 6. His record at number 3 is brilliant, it's a shame for VVS that he and Dravid where around at the same time
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India remove Amla twice in the match without him scoring 100, who would've thought it?
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just watching this now, arent those forma helmets the most ugly piece of kit youve ever seen?
cmon thats harsh, how so?
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VVS is every bit as good as Sachin, Dravid & Sehwag - it's just his misfortune that he had to bat at 5 & 6. His record at number 3 is brilliant, it's a shame for VVS that he and Dravid where around at the same time
sorry jeet a good player makes runs where ever he bats
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after watching vvs at Lancs he is indeed a cut above quality player
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sorry jeet a good player makes runs where ever he bats
hasn't VVS been doing that for a long time now?
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hasn't VVS been doing that for a long time now?
yes but jeet is saying that vvs is as good as dravid. I disagree, if dravid batted at 5/6 i think he would of scored just as many runs as he has (maybe a little less)
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Kallis out what a brute of a delivery
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That's a disgusting decision from the Umpire. Asad Rauf should be shot for that, that's going about a foot over the stumps!
Edit: Oooo and now one by Steve Davis!
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Seems strange they arent using UDRS to me. I dont see how just cos the Indians dont fancy it that the ICC/CSA should just bow down to them?
Seems a fair bit of needle out there between the 2 sides, making it a very good contest right now
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Seems strange they arent using UDRS to me. I dont see how just cos the Indians dont fancy it that the ICC/CSA should just bow down to them?
Seems a fair bit of needle out there between the 2 sides, making it a very good contest right now
Better standard of umpires would reduce the need of UDRS. India want snicko as part of UDRS as well
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Better standard of umpires would reduce the need of UDRS. India want snicko as part of UDRS as well
hot spot seems quite comprehensive, UDRS has to be implemented on all series or none at all imo, ICC need to sort it out - theyre letting it drift
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Excellent victory by India.
What a difference Zaheer Khan makes. He is essentially two bowlers in one. Brilliant with new ball and the best reverse swing bowler around. His presence makes the other bowlers up their game.
Harbhajan bowled like the bowler he was 5 years ago. I was rather surprised as I thought he was in terminal decline.
Looking forward to Cape Town, I doubt SA can prepared another green top, as the conditions are very hot atm. Additionally, India are more than capable of rolling SA in bowler friendly conditions.
One thing the series has missed so far is a Sehwag onslaught, would be brilliant for him to light up Newlands.
I think SA should consider bringing in Duminy and Botha for Harris and Prince in the new Test. Duminy's in great form atm in the SA F/C season and Botha spins the ball more than Harris.
India need to consider moving Dravid down the order, as Steyn is all over him.
Brilliant finale to the series beckons!
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get your tin hat on here Jeet Bumble says were better thsn India
I suspect Jimmy is up there for reverse swing with Zaheer to be honest
But this is India day well done
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get your tin hat on here Jeet Bumble says were better thsn India
I suspect Jimmy is up there for reverse swing with Zaheer to be honest
But this is India day well done
Whilst England beat the Australians, this series is of a higher standard. In terms of two sides both playing well
India, SA and ENG are the top 3, Oz being left behind.
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a lot of people forget sri lanka, surely they must be considered one of the best teams in the world?
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a lot of people forget sri lanka, surely they must be considered one of the best teams in the world?
Sorry I disagree. Away from home their rubbish. Someone like Mahela averages 38 outside Asia. also they don't get dust bowls in SA, ENG and OZ.
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did everyone see when Boucher ran out H. Singh by flicking the ball through his legs? I know this is a bit dated but thought that was pretty special - have seen him practising it for a while now.
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chris read did that against pakistan in 06 aswell.
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Series finale starts tomorrow in Cape Town. Sun has been out in force over the last 10 days and groundsman thinks the pitch will favour the batsmen, with spin on days 4 and 5.
Cape Town is a SA stronghold and all their batsmen have great records there(except AB de Villiers). For India, Sachin has a fine record in Cape Town as well. Dravid and VVS have dreadful records in Cape Town.
SA seem set to play the same side, I think Parnell should be the 3rd seamer. He offers more than Tsotsobe and Parnell bats a bit.
India seem likely to recall Gambhir, I feel that's a mistake, why change a winning side? Also Gambhir keeps getting injured so Vijay should remain in the side until Gambhir can stay fit for longer than 5 mins.
On a side note, Imran Tahir has finally qualified to play for SA, but they didn't include him in the squad. IMO India would destroy him, but surely he'd still offer more than Harris?
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I think Harris is vastly underrated.
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I think Harris is vastly underrated.
I disagree , personally think is one of worst spinner in international cricket excluding Xavier Dougherty :D , I know don't go by stats etc but his are horrible bowling wise
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I disagree , personally think is one of worst spinner in international cricket excluding Xavier Dougherty :D , I know don't go by stats etc but his are horrible bowling wise
Harris is a controlling spinner, an Ashley Giles if you will. Imran Tahir makes Swann look like a defensive spinner. He'll go for a few runs, but I'd back him to make mincemeat of the Indian line-up, or most others for that matter. Extremely talented bowler, ridiculously highly rated by the English counties.
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I just hope saffa destroy India :)
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Harris is in the side to give control and tie up an end, which is ok when youve got steyn and morkel alongside him, but eventually, you look at harris' inability to trouble top order batsmen and i'd say hes not a test match bowler.
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Smith gone to Khan again, definitely some needle between those two!
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I read on cricinfo that Tahir is now qualified to play for SA so i'd imagine Harris is going to have some serious spin competition
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Harris is a controlling spinner, an Ashley Giles if you will. Imran Tahir makes Swann look like a defensive spinner. He'll go for a few runs, but I'd back him to make mincemeat of the Indian line-up, or most others for that matter. Extremely talented bowler, ridiculously highly rated by the English counties.
Mincemeat of the Indian line up? Funny guy. Tahir couldn't cut it in Pakistan, hence why he moved to SA.
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Mincemeat of the Indian line up? Funny guy. Tahir couldn't cut it in Pakistan, hence why he moved to SA.
Really? Because from what I've read, seen and heard, Pakistan have massive selection issues, and he didn't get a run out, when big names in Pakistan had been calling for him to have a go. It's disillusionment Jeet, KP suffered the same thing. And the Indian line-up, for all it's past glories, looks fragile. He's a very talented spinner, numerous counties were scrambling to get his signature on their contracts. Should prove a force for SA, he has outstanding stats and several write-ups have confirmed his talent.
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for those of you who doubt tahir, cast your mind back to the pro40 final... :(
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for those of you who doubt tahir, cast your mind back to the pro40 final... :(
If he was seriously any good, why didn't he ever displace Kaneria(whom most Pakistanis I know hate with a passion)?
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Really? Because from what I've read, seen and heard, Pakistan have massive selection issues, and he didn't get a run out, when big names in Pakistan had been calling for him to have a go. It's disillusionment Jeet, KP suffered the same thing. And the Indian line-up, for all it's past glories, looks fragile. He's a very talented spinner, numerous counties were scrambling to get his signature on their contracts. Should prove a force for SA, he has outstanding stats and several write-ups have confirmed his talent.
Only people in Pakistan who wanted him the national side where his coaches. His commitment has all ways been questioned. He changes teams every year, so he's not much of a team player.
India may struggle vs guys like Steyn and Morkel, but any spinner will be dealt with
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India bowling well here, best ive seen Sharma bowl in ages
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Finally Amla's luck runs out! Gone for 59!
On another day he could've been out on 5 different occasions!
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im not looking to stir up an argument here, but if were talking about lucky batsmen, noone takes more risks than sehwag!
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Plus no one takes fewer than kallis which is why every team needs one or his type of player
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im not looking to stir up an argument here, but if were talking about lucky batsmen, noone takes more risks than sehwag!
Amla didn't take risks tho! 3 x inside edges that on another day would knock leg pole out the ground. 2 x leading edges just missing fielders!
As with Sehwag - if you don't buy a ticket, you can't win the raffle. In Sehwag's case, he winsthe raffle more often than not!
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luck is luck! different types of luck, Sehwag putting it in the hands of the gods on his own accord, but luck none the less!
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luck is luck! different types of luck, Sehwag putting it in the hands of the gods on his own accord, but luck none the less!
Personally I don't see Sehwag as a lucky batsman, say like Yusuf Pathan. He gives the opposition a chance by being aggressive, but he doesn't just whack the ball into the air and reply on drop catches to make his runs.
Yes Sehwag is aggressive, but he never gets dropped 5-6 times on route to a ton.
Obviously sometimes you get dropped and you make the opposition pay.
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You do not get a test record like Sehwag by just being lucky..
He is a quality modern test opener if it there he just belts it he is a fans (not just Indian one) dream to watch he is quite simply exhilarating there has not been many like him maybe Hayden but then he can not do what Sehwag can
A top class player
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Personally I don't see Sehwag as a lucky batsman, say like Yusuf Pathan. He gives the opposition a chance by being aggressive, but he doesn't just whack the ball into the air and reply on drop catches to make his runs.
Yes Sehwag is aggressive, but he never gets dropped 5-6 times on route to a ton.
Obviously sometimes you get dropped and you make the opposition pay.
Sehwag has an infinitely better eye for the ball, and quicker hands, than Yusuf. Also a far classier batsman. Has more than his fair share of luck, but as you say gotta play the game to win it.
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when you play so aggressively against a moving ball it must require a lot of skill but surely a slice of luck aswell, anyway, we could argue that theyre all lucky, to have the opportunity to play test match cricket while we dwell on the forum!
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New sponsor for Gautam Gambhir... changed from Reebok to MRF
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New sponsor for Gautam Gambhir... changed from Reebok to MRF
Was going to say the same thing. Do MRF make bats or are they just a sponsor/label provider like Hero Honda?
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what an incredible all round cricketer ab de villiers is, the presence of mind and natural ability he has is absolutely unrivalled the world over. the run out of dravid off the dropped catch was awesome, hes so valuable to his side and would be in any world xi that i was asked to select
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Pretty lazy running from dravid though, doesnt take away from the skill from De Villiers. Makes you wonder which wicket they would have preferred, Dravid or Gaumbir?
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Pretty lazy running from dravid though, doesnt take away from the skill from De Villiers. Makes you wonder which wicket they would have preferred, Dravid or Gaumbir?
Both are walking wickets, so SA won't be fussed that they got the creaking Wall
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Gambhir has a habit of looking awful and yet still making runs
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Gambhir has a habit of looking awful and yet still making runs
I think Gambhir owes AB a beer after the clanger AB dropped
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I think Gambhir owes AB a beer after the clanger AB dropped
perhaps i put the mockers on him a little after my 'i wish i was AB' speech!
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New sponsor for Gautam Gambhir... changed from Reebok to MRF
he had signed it ages ago but was just running out his reebok contract which ended in 2010.
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zaheer to get a couple of wickets I feel in the last session of the day ! :)
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it is turning into a cracking game - Kallis is out for the rest of the game too so SA are 0-1 before they start and that one scored 160 odd in the first knock...
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it is turning into a cracking game - Kallis is out for the rest of the game too so SA are 0-1 before they start and that one scored 160 odd in the first knock...
the commentators said kallis is bating 4 in this innings ? :)
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http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-india-2010/content/current/story/495216.html
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[url]http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-india-2010/content/current/story/495216.html[/url]
was confirmed about 10 minutes ago he will be batting 4 , he is fit to bat :D
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Zaheer vs Smith is a real battle, fascinating viewing!
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sreesanth crying cause he cant take banter
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I wasnt really watching (was trying to get some work done for a change) so missed it, has he got the hump with what the crowd are saying to him?
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Yeah, he's being a big baby...apparently, bottles were thrown at him. :)
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I heard them talking about it the other day on the sky coverage but he has a massive run up. only just noticed it on the tv
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Top Leave, Harris...NOT! :|
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Kallis and Sachin are just different gravy
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Some of the best cricket I've ever seen.
Steyn was bowling leggies at 90 mph! Without any shadow of a doubt the best bowler in the world, light-years ahead of everyone else. 16 five wicket hauls in 46 Tests, unreal!
Sachin played one of the great knocks, defying Steyn. All ways a threat to watch the master batsman vs the master bowler. Rankings may not say so, but Sachin is the best batsman in the world, and it took all of his skill to keep Steyn out.
Gambhir was pretty solid, until he got out to the pie chucker(Harris). Harbhajan showed some fight and his 6 of Steyn was stunning! Zaheer batted pretty well after being pinned on the head 1st ball by Steyn.
Tsotsobe was very unlucky, on another day he could've got a 5fer, but he's grown into the SA side.
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100-5 if India can get Kallis out you'd say they are nailed on to win this.
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I think 210 is the cut off - Indian's are favourites if they can bowl the Saffa's out for under 210 otherwise the Saffa's will have the advantage...
(when I started writing this post I had 175 as the cut off - but then looked at the Indian batting line up and VVS is the master at last innings chases...)
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This is day 4 isnt it? Sets up a cracker of a final day
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Given the way England's bowlers have made life interesting for Aussie batsmen, Steyn, Morkel, Khan, Sreesanth and Singh will all cause them sheer hell given the performances in this series.
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This series has been a fantastic contest.
Three Tests aren't enough! Will there be the obligatory 12 match ODI series afterwards?
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1 T20 and 5 ODI's which seems pretty low compared to England & Australias 2 T20's and 7 ODI's :o
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It's been a spectacular series. Can it keep up through 5 ODIs?
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I've been pretty impressed with India. Bar the 1st game they have applied themselves superbly on pitches that do a little bit and have pace and bounce. Zaheer makes them look a completely different side
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I'm very impressed with Kallis. Made of steel, refusing to retire hurt and instead soldiering on. Top player, too.
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1 T20 and 5 ODI's which seems pretty low compared to England & Australias 2 T20's and 7 ODI's :o
next time India go to Oz, they're listed to play 11 ODIs. Pure overkill
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next time India go to Oz, they're listed to play 11 ODIs. Pure overkill
That is insane. Is it the BCCI who insist on the amount of ODI's? How many tests are they due to play on that tour?
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That is insane. Is it the BCCI who insist on the amount of ODI's? How many tests are they due to play on that tour?
4 Tests and 2 T20s.
I think Oz must be bringing back the tri series, as 11 ODIs vs India is pointless.
BCCI are obsessed with Tests atm, so I doubt they requested so many ODIs
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With regards to this series, SA and India can't play more than best of 3 Test series, as it isn't an 'Iconic' series.
At present only 3 series have Icon status The Ashes, Eng vs SA and India vs PAK.
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You'd think they'd have to make that a tri-series, otherwise thats an insane amount of ODI's for two teams. Cant imagine the fans interest staying for that either.
Have the BCCI been obsessed with tests lately cos India are number 1?
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With regards to this series, SA and India can't play more than best of 3 Test series, as it isn't an 'Iconic' series.
At present only 3 series have Icon status The Ashes, Eng vs SA and India vs PAK.
How comes India/Aus are scheduled to have 4 tests?
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How comes India/Aus are scheduled to have 4 tests?
Didn't england play 4 tests against Pakistan last summer?
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Didn't england play 4 tests against Pakistan last summer?
Yep thats correct
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How comes India/Aus are scheduled to have 4 tests?
ICC ranks that series just below the 'Iconic' series, in addition ICC are considering upgrading the series.
Ponting asked for a 5 match series in 2007-08, but ICC declined
Have the BCCI been obsessed with tests lately cos India are number 1?
Yes I think so. Since 2009 to end of 2011, India will have played 30 Tests, unheard of 10 years ago
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Didn't england play 4 tests against Pakistan last summer?
Eng vs PAK is in the same bracket as Eng vs India and Oz vs India
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Sreesanth in the game! Sharp catch!
Big pressure on Boucher
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Sreesanth's appealing is amazing
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10 appeals in 2 balls from sreesanth is top knotch appealing
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Sachin getting boucher in the last over of the old ball has thrown this game open again. Was literally just thinking that it was heading towards a draw
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Got to love that harbajan spends ages setting the close in field then tstobe dances down first ball 4 then swipe 4 then out fun
But kallis is a true warrior batting all that time while clearly in alot of pain my hat goes off to you sir
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340 to win then. A session of Sehwag & anything is possible!
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After watching today's play, I feel SA have been very negative.
90 overs to bowl out India may not be enough, as their spinner is pretty mediocre. Also they may only get 10 overs with the second new ball.
A target of 300 would've made India go for victory, now they will be going for a draw.
The comms kept going on about the Sehwag factor, but Steyn has been dominant in their battle thus far. Coupled with Gambhir being injured, a 5 over spell at the end of day 4 would've had India in a hole.
SA may still ease to victory, but when you possess a talent like the Great Dale Steyn, I'd all ways back him to bowl any side out. If he nipped Sehwag out at the end of day 4, it would've been curtains for India.
RANT OVER!!!
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Forgot to say how the hell is Ishant still in the Test side? I'd fancy my chances vs his pies.
Irfan Pathan should replace him, once he recovers from injury, and groomed into Zaheer's replacement.
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I think india will have problems when Sehwag, Dravid, Laxman and the little master retires.
they are on the wrong side of 30 and dont have many years left in them. Tendulkar is playing the best cricket of his life, but how long do you think he can go on for. . .40???
Historically India havent produced any real quality fast bowlers, i know there are exceptions but in the main it has been spinners.
Ishant looks knackered to me, the promise he showed when he burst onto the scene has faded away. Thewy have problems in the fast bowling dept. i mean people the cupboard must be bare if people like Agarkar have played so many games.
where is RP Singh??? i liked the look of them. their batting looks good, but i think the IPL will destroy indian talent for test matches. look at people like Raina, he was out of his depth in SA.
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Smith is getting more turn than Harris!
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I think india will have problems when Sehwag, Dravid, Laxman and the little master retires.
they are on the wrong side of 30 and dont have many years left in them. Tendulkar is playing the best cricket of his life, but how long do you think he can go on for. . .40???
Historically India havent produced any real quality fast bowlers, i know there are exceptions but in the main it has been spinners.
Ishant looks knackered to me, the promise he showed when he burst onto the scene has faded away. Thewy have problems in the fast bowling dept. i mean people the cupboard must be bare if people like Agarkar have played so many games.
where is RP Singh??? i liked the look of them. their batting looks good, but i think the IPL will destroy indian talent for test matches. look at people like Raina, he was out of his depth in SA.
BCCI are poor at managing fast bowlers. Most surprising thing is that they've never allowed Kapil Dev to coach the young quicks. Kapil was India's greatest fast bowler ever.
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Well i think since he signed up with the ICL, he went out of favour. ( What happened to the ICL)
India have all time greats like Kapil and SG, Bedi etc, these guys should be utilised. But i think 20/20 will kill off test match batsmanship at the least and it requires a different skill set.
The pitches in india dont help fast bowlers either, but why is it that Pakistan can produce fast bowlers but not many great batsman, (the opposite of India if you like)
it is an interesting question.
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Jeet
I miss Manoj Prabhaker a quality all rounder a true all rounder and part of the reason i started playing cricket him and Mudassar Nazir bouts in the Lancashire League
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I think Prabhaker was done for a suspect action wasnt he?
the 80/90 Dave, that was the era, Beefy, Kapil, Imran and Hadlee
The windies at their peak. . . .bloomin heck they were good. . .you get rid of Greenidge and theirs Richie Richardson or Viv waiting to come in,
any back on topic. . .i was expecting a bit of excitement on the 5th day, seems like petering outin to a draw at the mo.
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If sehwag had hung around a bit longer i think India might have given the target a go
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Well i think since he signed up with the ICL, he went out of favour. ( What happened to the ICL)
India have all time greats like Kapil and SG, Bedi etc, these guys should be utilised. But i think 20/20 will kill off test match batsmanship at the least and it requires a different skill set.
The pitches in india dont help fast bowlers either, but why is it that Pakistan can produce fast bowlers but not many great batsman, (the opposite of India if you like)
it is an interesting question.
The pitches in domestic cricket in India and Pakistan have green tinges on them. In Test matches that green tinge disappears. If you look at Indian domestic stats, plenty of seamers top the wicket charts!
ICL went bust mate. Kapil only went to ICL due BCCI not utilising him. Bedi and Gavaskar are used sparingly.
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If sehwag had hung around a bit longer i think India might have given the target a go
Might sound sour grapes, but Morkel's foot was over the line. Pollock was surprised on comm it was given out
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Wasnt this the same with Prior this morning as well. Why the 3rd umpire cant watch these things is beyond me
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Wasnt this the same with Prior this morning as well. Why the 3rd umpire cant watch these things is beyond me
It was checked but without the zoomer they used for Prior's dismissal.
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With morkels wasn't his foot behind the line but not grounded which still counts
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I think Prabhaker was done for a suspect action wasnt he?
He was given a 5 year ban for match fixing
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he got Gooch out on 333
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With morkels wasn't his foot behind the line but not grounded which still counts
When they showed it in slow-mo, it seemed like it was in the air on the line. 3rd umpire had one look and gave it out
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It's the old addage the line is the umpires as it was very close but seen them go both ways tbh
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I bet the South Africans are wishing they had played Imran Tahir.....
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Even kp would be their first choice spinner lol
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So true... I mean smith looked more like getting wickets
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Harris is not that bad not a wicket taker but SA have never had a good spinner bar wrong body Adams then he half the time did not know were it was going
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SA have included Tahir for the ODI series with India, time to see if he can live up to the hype
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SA have included Tahir for the ODI series with India, time to see if he can live up to the hype
Or at the very least have more hype than Harris!
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Or at the very least have more hype than Harris!
They've gone for to leggies in the squad, Francois du Plessis and Tahir. Also have gone with Botha as well. Time maybe running out for Harris.
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Harris doesn't usually play ODI's anyway does he?
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Harris doesn't usually play ODI's anyway does he?
No but Botha got recalled into the Test side on his ODI form.
SA use ODIs at the stepping stone for the Test side. Parnell and Tsotsobe are examples of this
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strange Botha isn't in the test side instead of Harris.
Firstly, he actual turns the ball and has good variations in pace and flight. Secondly he can bat better than Harris.
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Was it Botha who got done by the ICC for his doosra?
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Was it Botha who got done by the ICC for his doosra?
Yes
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Anyone been watching the ODI? SA need 3 runs to win, 1 wicket left, pretty tense!
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Yeah I'm watching. Top game, 2 required now :) Great game :D
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NO! >:( >:( >:( >:(
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South Africa bottling it as usual! :D
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BOTTLED !!
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Did anyone see Botha get given out LBW when the ball at no point hit his pad??
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Did anyone see Botha get given out LBW when the ball at no point hit his pad??
There's your advert for the referral system!
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That's 1 shocking decision!! And that would have made the difference between winning and losing in this case!
It's a shame that the Saffas lost because of 1 howling decision from the ump!
I would have preferred a less close match so that the one howling decision wouldn't have made a difference!!
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Lets not forget that India are the best team in the world, and there are plenty of semi-obsessive borderline racist videos on youtube proving this..
Oh, but we can't say that can we.
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lol!
the people who make those vids are so sad!
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Not sure what all the fuss is about. Rohit got a rough one in the 1st match, Botha got one here. Swings and roundabouts.
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Great match brewing if india dont lose another wicket for another while.
Pathan is sending the ball miles
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Hope India keep their cool and finish it off nicely..
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lol!
the people who make those vids are so sad!
Sir I feel I must correct you. The makers, nay, directors of such videos are merely expressing the well known fact that India/Pakistan etc etc are the greatest team in the world. They heavily pixellated, normally under 8 seconds long films normally showing some outrageous and frankly jailable decision by a racist umpire will one day be held in the same regard as masterpieces such as Casablanca and the Three Colours Trilogy.
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If India lose from here, Raina will take much of the blame... No need for that right now.. Need less than a run a ball just let it go...
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Sir I feel I must correct you. The makers, nay, directors of such videos are merely expressing the well known fact that India/Pakistan etc etc are the greatest team in the world. They heavily pixellated, normally under 8 seconds long films normally showing some outrageous and frankly jailable decision by a racist umpire will one day be held in the same regard as masterpieces such as Casablanca and the Three Colours Trilogy.
Im guessing your a fan? ;)
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Brilliant victory for India.
Fine knock from Yusuf Pathan, mauling Botha was great viewing. Yusuf has now sealed the no. 7 slot for the WC.
Harbhajan had a fine all round game, of late he's bowling like the Harbhajan of old. Only down side is Ashwin is left to carry the drinks grrrrrrrr!!!!