***England v South Africa, Lords, 3rd Test, 16-20 August***

[larus]

Ooh; where's TCB now? Decent performance from Bell &Bairstow, and he slinks off again. Only happy when he's moaning. Bubbling up to be a good game. Shame that some of the English players haven't really fired this series; shit happens though. Andersons bowled well all series and hasn't really had the rewards he deserves (IMO).

 

[Lifelong Supporter]

South Africa's lower order really worked their country into a very good position in that in reaching 300 their superb fast bowlers will have good use of the second new ball before England have a chance to pass their total.
.
I do not see England getting much beyond 250 in which case it will rest on our bowlers to get them out relatively cheaply to give us a decent chance. It can be done, the Test is very open.

I wonder what the bookies make of this !!

 

[Stat Brother]

How's Matt Prior's England record.

Has he broken or approaching any records yet?

I guess Alex Stewart hoovered up most of the old skool stuff.

 

[larus]

How's Matt Prior's England record.

Has he broken or approaching any records yet?

I guess Alex Stewart hoovered up most of the old skool stuff.

Don't know about that, but I don't think many people dispute that he's the best wicketkeeper/batsman in the world.

Listening to TMS on the way home from the Midlands today, and even Boycott is a huge fan. He's been critical of Matts glovework in the past, but now praises the huge improvements there, and also the positive way he bats.

Think the first hour is crucial tomorrow. Emerge unscathed from that, and with a hot day on a good track, there's no reason not to be aiming for a lead; so much will rest on the new ball after 8 more overs.

 

[Titanic]

Matt Prior 4th most catchingest wicket keeper of all time for England

How's Matt Prior's England record.

Has he broken or approaching any records yet?

I guess Alex Stewart hoovered up most of the old skool stuff.

 

[jakarta]

Don't know about that, but I don't think many people dispute that he's the best wicketkeeper/batsman in the world.

Listening to TMS on the way home from the Midlands today, and even Boycott is a huge fan. He's been critical of Matts glovework in the past, but now praises the huge improvements there, and also the positive way he bats.

Think the first hour is crucial tomorrow. Emerge unscathed from that, and with a hot day on a good track, there's no reason not to be aiming for a lead; so much will rest on the new ball after 8 more overs.

Have to agree that it is heads down time, no fishing, no hooks, absolutely no bloody reverse sweeps. I dont care if we only score 20 or so in the first hour, knacker their bowlers, see off the new ball and graft a decent lead. Still think the Saffers got 30-40 runs too many after the start we had.

Incidentally, when he arrives at the crease Broad owes his team a decent knock, all this talk of being an allrounder stems from a single big century vs Pakistan and in hindsight even that may have been dodgy.....

Oh and another vote for a 5 Match Test Series......

 

[pasty]

Bugger. First delivery with the new ball gets Prior. 221/6

Into the bowlers now, could be in trouble here

 

[CHAPPERS]

Stupid from Prior. That kind of shit means he'll never progress from being a good batsman to a great one.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

6 for 251

Bairstow, 94*, is clearly not going to snatch a century.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Or is he going to run out of partners?

Broad departs. Hook, line and sinker in to that one.

 

[larus]

Stupid from Prior. That kind of shit means he'll never progress from being a good batsman to a great one.

Agree. Shame, as he'd seemed to have done the graft again to get back in this morning. Just lacks the little bit more discipline/shot selection.

Bairstow's looking good though!!!

 

[pasty]

Going to be hard work not to leave SA with a lead before they start their second innings. Lets hope our bowlers can do the business later.....

 

[larus]

Shit - Broad out for 16. 252/7.

 

[pasty]

Or is he going to run out of partners?

Have a horrible feeling you could be right there BoF

 

[KZNSeagull]

Don't know about that, but I don't think many people dispute that he's the best wicketkeeper/batsman in the world.

He is at the moment, but if De Villiers keeps the gloves, he will be better. Losing Boucher was a blessing in disguise for SA - lets them choose another specialist batsman or bowler depending upon conditions. Boucher was a good batsman but nothing like as good as ABdV.

Anyway, come on Jonny!!

 

[vegster]

This is slow death....

 

[larus]

He is at the moment, but if De Villiers keeps the gloves, he will be better. Losing Boucher was a blessing in disguise for SA - lets them choose another specialist batsman or bowler depending upon conditions. Boucher was a good batsman but nothing like as good as ABdV.

Anyway, come on Jonny!!

That's assuming that taking the gloves doesn't affect his batting. Often been said that combining the 2 is quite difficult, as you spend a long time concentrating when you're the wicketkeeper, which can make you tired.

Be interesting, as ABdV is a good player.

 

[KZNSeagull]

That's assuming that taking the gloves doesn't affect his batting. Often been said that combining the 2 is quite difficult, as you spend a long time concentrating when you're the wicketkeeper, which can make you tired.

Be interesting, as ABdV is a good player.

Indeed. Batting at 5 though should make a difference. We will see.

 

[pasty]

Review on Swann...... maybe a bit high?

Edit: I should be an umpire. Not out

 

[Titanic]

review on swann...... Maybe a bit high?

Phew!