Print

[Aussie In England]

Read on cricinfo that South Africa's record at Durban isn't very good. I think they've only won once out of the last 6 matches there. Lost the 5 matches.

[Disco]

It's not a mystery, it actually follows set rules.

It amazes me that in 2015 we are ok with the colour of someone's skin being a factor in selection. By all means put systems in place to help kids from less privileged backgrounds have the chance to get noticed but insisting that every 1st class side fields 6 "players of colour" is crazy. I already know of 1st class players who pro in the leagues and have now settled here because they know there is no point going back to play in SA, tell me how that is helping?

[uknsaunders]

Like all top level cricket, its small margins that can make big differences. SA aren't that bad or England that good. The trick for England is to play at the same level and for SA to show some of their batting ability. If England keep SA under the thumb then they will win in Cape Town and go on to win the series. However, SA can probably get a lot better and I'm expecting a much tougher game. Like in 2004 when England toured, SA started with the wrong team and came back strongly then.

Anderson is key imho, him getting through the top order and putting pressure on amla/ab will set things up. Woakes bowled OK but didn't look like running through SA. England have one massive advantage, a fifth bowler. If they can keep SA in the field and soak up overs then its very difficult to keep pressure on the England batsman. England can fiddle around and bowl in short higher intensity bursts until they find an opening. SA have to bowl longer spells and manage workload. The big risk is if England milk the spinner, SA are bowling part timers from then on. I think there is a general trend in world cricket towards five man attacks for this reason. When even Australia are playing 5 bowlers you know something is changing.

Sent from my Lenovo B6000-F using Tapatalk

[sanredrose]

Boycott says we (England fans) need to thank India for this win but I'm not so sure playing India in India really is relevant. Plus....we thoroughly deserved this victory,India had home advantage and that means a lot these days

Boycott is probably in cahoots with BCCI . BTW, commentators say a lot of things and i wouldn't put much value into it. I recall an incident where a commentator called Amla's bearded appearance likening him to a terrorist.

I wouldn't say Indian tour really helped England but it certainly broke down SA's confidence. Only AB was able to muster up some kind of a challenge. All other batsman were broken down and as a last resort they attempted to defend their way out of a defeat ! Morale is running a bit low and England beating SA at Durban is going to help them either ...

[sanredrose]

England have one massive advantage, a fifth bowler. If they can keep SA in the field and soak up over then its very difficult to keep pressure on the England batsman. England can fiddle around and bowl in short higher intensity bursts until they find an opening. SA have to bowl longer spells and manage workload. The big risk is if England milk the spinner, SA are bowling part timers from then on.

Very well stated. 5th bowler is the key. This will ensure prime bowlers can bowl shorter, aggressive, wicket-taking spells and helps reducing the workload.

[sanredrose]

Yes it certainly is but dispointed with Woakes bowling 25 overs 1 wicket for 51 runs and that was the wicket of Pledt whos ave is about 4 with the bat..

If Anderson is ready then Woakes would probably make way for him ...

[123*]

Word of advice. Anyone ever thinking of travelling to Durban - Don't!

[e4sby]

Word of advice. Anyone ever thinking of travelling to Durban - Don't!

That bad? I'm off to Cape Town today, hoping I don't say the same in a weeks time!

[Aussie In England]

Hardus Viljoen, fresh of taking 20 poles in his last two FC matches, has been called up by South Africa after Abbott got injured.

[northernboy1987]

Hardus Viljoen, fresh of taking 20 poles in his last two FC matches, has been called up by South Africa after Abbott got injured.

Just read this, anyone know anything about him? Out and out pace or skillful type?

[csnew]

Just read this, anyone know anything about him? Out and out pace or skillful type?

One of those bowlers who bowls a heavy ball. Hit 150kph in the ram slam. Good selection! hopefully gets a game.
Much better bowler than rabada

[123*]

That bad? I'm off to Cape Town today, hoping I don't say the same in a weeks time!

Yeah massively, lots of people at our hotel got mugged or held at knife point, serious place! Heard Cape Town is a million times better/safer!

[northernboy1987]

Yeah massively, lots of people at our hotel got mugged or held at knife point, serious place! Heard Cape Town is a million times better/safer!

Stay safe guys!

[e4sby]

Yeah massively, lots of people at our hotel got mugged or held at knife point, serious place! Heard Cape Town is a million times better/safer!

I've just checked in now.

Heard Cape Town is pretty decent

[Seniorplayer]

Like all top level cricket, its small margins that can make big differences. SA aren't that bad or England that good. The trick for England is to play at the same level and for SA to show some of their batting ability. If England keep SA under the thumb then they will win in Cape Town and go on to win the series. However, SA can probably get a lot better and I'm expecting a much tougher game. Like in 2004 when England toured, SA started with the wrong team and came back strongly then.

Anderson is key imho, him getting through the top order and putting pressure on amla/ab will set things up. Woakes bowled OK but didn't look like running through SA. England have one massive advantage, a fifth bowler. If they can keep SA in the field and soak up overs then its very difficult to keep pressure on the England batsman. England can fiddle around and bowl in short higher intensity bursts until they find an opening. SA have to bowl longer spells and manage workload. The big risk is if England milk the spinner, SA are bowling part timers from then on. I think there is a general trend in world cricket towards five man attacks for this reason. When even Australia are playing 5 bowlers you know something is changing.

Sent from my Lenovo B6000-F using Tapatalk

 bowlers win matches    Guys who can collectively  take 20 wickets Woakes 25 overs 1 wicket for 51 runs containment bowling  yes bot not good enough  to win tests where as you have said Anderson can get the top order players out.