[Cricket] South Africa V England 1st Test

[big nuts]

Before Steyn pulled up and off I was already thinking this is the weakest South African team I have ever watched, excluding their B team that masqueraded under the guise of the English cricket team a few years back, of course.

Incredible to think they are way out in front as the Worlds number 1. Philander is a loss for them but otherwise they are at full strength. Certainly on paper I'd see them somewhere around 4th. You could make a strong argument that player for player England are ahead of them.

With lots of cricketing legends retiring in the past five years this is arguably the most ordinary period of test cricket I've ever seen. You only have to look at the Ashes last summer, we were just a bit less shit then Australia.

 

[big nuts]

Seems at the moment that Cook is capable of undoing any good work his bowling unit can conjure up. Is he worth his place any more?

What an outstanding point you make! England are awash with World class openers. Carberry, Lyth & Robson are all averaging close to fifty with a record number of test match centuries for an England player.

 

[knocky1]

Hashim Amla has had his worst Test batting year for 10 years. Is this from the pressure of being Captain? He doesn't seem that good at that. Why didn't AB get it?

 

[knocky1]

Must be Brahms and Liszt to drop that.

 

[Titanic]

How quick we forget it was in October he batted for two days against Pakistan scoring double century. Great test cricketer and becoming a great captain. First name on the team sheet with Anderson and Broad.

Stokes would be the 2nd name on my team sheet, after Captain Cook. He brings balance to the force.

 

[big nuts]

Stokes would be the 2nd name on my team sheet, after Captain Cook. He brings balance to the force.

Broad would be first name on my teamsheet followed by Root, Anderson & Cook. Stokes would be 5th

 

[Mackenzie]

This is going well, you get the feeling that Root is beginning to tick....

 

[LlcoolJ]

Lack of confidence in the SA side typified by the dropped catches. They are there for the taking. Come on England......

 

[Uh_huh_him]

It's really good to see Compton back in the England team. He was harshly treated IMO.
Loved Bell, but he was living off past performances for the last year or so.

Hoping NC will do the necessary to secure a spot in the team for the foreseeable.
Loving the Trottesque solidity at 3 that bell could not deliver

 

[Titanic]

Compton and Root 63 partnership... England lead by 200 with 8 wickets in hand. Plenty of time to bat South Africa out of this... and allow time for the new ball should it be needed in the 2nd innings.

 

[knocky1]

Feed that snake.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Excellent day. Should be able to get 450 ahead in quickish time (tea) with no Steyn involved.

 

[crookie]

Excellent day. Should be able to get 450 ahead in quickish time (tea) with no Steyn involved.

No need, push on, get a lead of 350, and declare half an hour after lunch. They haven't hit more than 250 in an innings for a while, batting last on a slow turning pitch, I'd be surprised if they managed 200. Best not to take any chances with the weather. Hope Cook isn't too cautious

 

[pasty]

Would be very surprised to see an England declaration before at least a 400 lead. Assuming we don't get bowled out beforehand obviously.

 

[KZNSeagull]

No rain forecast - we haven't had much for months anyway so it would be very unlucky to get a load now. Bat for at least 3 hours tomorrow if possible, 400+ lead. SA appear to be in disarray - we need to help them unravel even more.

 

[dazzer6666]

Would be very surprised to see an England declaration before at least a 400 lead. Assuming we don't get bowled out beforehand obviously.

Agreed, it'll be 400-450 before we declare given the time left but also agree with [MENTION=27870]crookie[/MENTION] that they'll struggle to get much above 200

 

[Dave the OAP]

Roooooooooooot

 

[Uh_huh_him]

No rain forecast - we haven't had much for months anyway so it would be very unlucky to get a load now. Bat for at least 3 hours tomorrow if possible, 400+ lead. SA appear to be in disarray - we need to help them unravel even more.

This

We have the chance to crush them. Plenty of time. Use it to get some batting practise and set up a massive total to bowl at.

 

[Bigtomfu]

Par 1st Innings Score here is 300, why do we need that many? It would be nice to get more of course...

Just because I thought the Saffers would have more bite in them. Still think we might need +330/350 to be sure. Would bat until just before/after lunch tomorrow and then stick em in.

 

[Pavilionaire]

Top test run chase on this ground is 340-odd. I'd insert the Boks half an hour before tea, providing the lead has reached 400.