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[csnew]

Don't think smith would have done this, would have told them to get on with it earlier and declare. Not waiting around till Bavuma gets a 100

[ppccopener]

Whatever the result of this match it beggars belief there is no declaration
How are SA going to get out of a slump without trying to win the match?

[Johnny]

I keep thinking that England should switch Stokes and Compton in the batting order and then see if they can get close (assuming SA declare soonish/overnight)

[liscon12]

I keep thinking that England should switch Stokes and Compton in the batting order and then see if they can get close (assuming SA declare soonish/overnight)

Pressure to score runs, new ball, fresh bowlers, I'm not sure Stokes could do what he normally does under these circumstances. He said himself that during his record breaking innings that he felt no pressure if he had gotten out early as the team was in a good position at that point, thus meaning he could play with a clear mind and confidence to just go out and hit the ball. England would never change the batting order for this test match, a draw is the only thing on their mind.

Finally Hales is just as destructive when it comes to ODI batting, he could do just as good a job. Compton or Cook would simply need to rotate the strike to give Hales the majority of the balls.

[northernboy1987]

Pressure to score runs, new ball, fresh bowlers, I'm not sure Stokes could do what he normally does under these circumstances. He said himself that during his record breaking innings that he felt no pressure if he had gotten out early as the team was in a good position at that point, thus meaning he could play with a clear mind and confidence to just go out and hit the ball. England would never change the batting order for this test match, a draw is the only thing on their mind.

Finally Hales is just as destructive when it comes to ODI batting, he could do just as good a job. Compton or Cook would simply need to rotate the strike to give Hales the majority of the balls.

Agree, they should just tell Hales he has a free pass and to go out and see if he can give them half a chance of winning the game.

[rickjames]

Declaration klaxon! 382 to win. Perfect opportunity for Hales to play his natural game.

[Disco]

His natural game being to drive loosely outside off until he nicks one, yeah?

[jjohns]

Oh dear. Wonder who will be opening in the next series.

[Calzehbhoy]

Hales Currently...

[dannyhall04]

[smilley792]

England in trouble.


South Africa bluffed them with the injury. And already putting it in the right places for the pitch to help.


England did not plus was a bowler down. They might as well picked trot ot bowl than woakes in this game.

[jjohns]

Compton gone now too :/

[smilley792]

SS must be making some cracking new handles for Compton to not think he'd nicked that.


All out tonight here England.


Bell and lyth back for the summer??

[dannyhall04]

Bell and lyth back for the summer??

*Ballance and Lyth

[ppccopener]

SS must be making some cracking new handles for Compton to not think he'd nicked that.


All out tonight here England.


Bell and lyth back for the summer??

to be fair, and I've loved watching Bell for the last 10 years, he was never a man for a crisis.   Lyth......i'd of given him the UAE series to try to settle down and get some scores.I can't for the life of me understand why Ali would open there if he's not going to open in SA....