Australia v South Africa Test series

booth70

south africa

Marsh bags a pair.......153/3

Gillespy

Doolan was over the place too. Australia back to praying for rain. Spinners on again will ease it somewhat, Clarke needs a captain's innings here.

wicorthered

The Clarke myth is being shattered in recent months. Nowhere near as good as he's made out to be. Not in the same league as Kohli, De Villers and amla and miles behind Ponting at his best

Gillespy

His record suggests otherwise and he started the Ashes well and has been tailing off since. Kohli doesn't belong on that list yet.

Steyn in full flow now could win it tonight. I love his celebration and how pumped it gets. Apparently that's him stabbing someone.:rolleyes:

Rjd2

south africa

wicorthered wrote: »

The Clarke myth is being shattered in recent months. Nowhere near as good as he's made out to be. Not in the same league as Kohli, De Villers and amla and miles behind Ponting at his best

AB is better at the moment and I rate Amla higher than him but lets not forget Amla was struggling until the second innings. He also was in a lull.I will give Clarke the 3rd test before I get worried, he does have a beastly record in South Africa lets not forget.

Kohli as a test player could go past Clarke but at the moment? Nope way to early. Next year if Kohli scores runs in England and Australia than we discuss this again.

Rjd2

south africa

And on today?


That is Marsh in a nutshell, superb last test nothing this test.

Very poor from Doolan as well, really rated his innings last week but he really slowed down the momentum today.

Watson will be back next test its safe to say.

booth70

south africa

Why did I ever doubt the ability of Steyn?!!!.....Take a bow.....that was one awesome spell of swing bowling

SA proving to everyone they did not reach no 1 in the world by accident....they still have to win in Cape Town though as they started favourites to win the series

Kohli is good but not in the same league as Amla and AB yet....he's made runs away in Australia, SA and NZ but still not very consistent yet....England this summer will be the making of him I reckon

As for Clarke he sores big when he does then has a spell of about 10 tests doing nothing.....Australia need him to score in Cape Town

Rjd2

south africa

Rather amusing its possible this could still end a draw as forecast tomorrow is dismal. :pac:

dfx-

Mother Nature has no control over Steyn:cool:

Gillespy

Nine wickets in a session was poor from Australia. Warner and Rogers made it look so easy and had SA a bit demorilised. Watson in place of Doolan could have kept the pressure on but the ball started to swing about the same time. Credit to the bowlers, that was a special effort.

Newlands next Saturday, can't wait.

KevIRL

Some going from Warner this morning

Rjd2

south africa

Warner may be the most obnoxious man in sport right now, but thier is no better opener in test cricket atm, I'd even argue he is their most important batsman as wel:eek:

KevIRL

Magnificent innings from Michael Clarke today. Aussies well in control after day 1

kryogen

Warner maturing into a fine opening batsman, Clarke is playing a wonderful innings also to silence some doubters yet again and Smithy is chipping in as he so often does, Australia firmly on top going into day 2

BarryD

south africa

Clarke is in a strong position, isn't he? If they get off to a steady start in the morning, the worlds his oyster - could easily run up 500+ runs. He'd want to be wearing out the SAs in the field for a good bit of the day and then stick them in to try and get an early wicket or two. But not give them too much time to settle. A bit of balance but I guess first they'll have to see how the first half hour goes. But then he's not quite a conservative captain either, what do you think?

kryogen

BarryD wrote: »

Clarke is in a strong position, isn't he? If they get off to a steady start in the morning, the worlds his oyster - could easily run up 500+ runs. He'd want to be wearing out the SAs in the field for a good bit of the day and then stick them in to try and get an early wicket or two. But not give them too much time to settle. A bit of balance but I guess first they'll have to see how the first half hour goes. But then he's not quite a conservative captain either, what do you think?

I think unless a figure of 650 is reached you probably wont see a declaration until very close to close tbh, he will be happy enough to bat out the day, or most of it if possible, I expect them to get close to 500 but would be surprised if there wasnt a big fightback from SA tomorrow.

All things going to plan I guess Clarke would like to have a lead of 550+ and put SA in with about 40 minutes of play to go tomorrow, which is possible but a long way off. Great position to be in though.

The morning session is crucial, if they see off the opening blows from the bowlers and get just occupy the crease even I think this Test will be Australias to lose. If SA can get a couple of early wickets (what I see happening) it will be game on and this could be an epic Test match

Edit: Forgot to say, a lot of it also depends on how Steyn is actually!

KevIRL

Clarke has faced 18 balls so far on 99

KevIRL

Gets there after 25 balls in the end. Outstanding knock

BarryD

south africa

KevIRL wrote: »

Gets there after 25 balls in the end. Outstanding knock

Fair dues to him, the mind games and mental toughness. Jaysus, he's opened up now - somehow I think a change of bowler will be in order!

kryogen

They have done exactly what was needed, just occupy the crease at the start, then Smith sort of drove it on a bit and just losing one wicket before lunch and no miracle recovery by Steyn means this is Australias to lose now. They should target another 100+ runs for the next session and see where they are after that, if they get close to 550-575 by tea then go hell for leather after it, try get it up to 650 and get them in to have a bash at them for 30-40 minutes after two long days in the field and maybe with a walking wicket (more then usual) in steyn

BarryD

south africa

Pity about the rain, I guess if it's fine tomorrow morning, we'll have a quick run blast and either declare or all out. Clarke himself will have to throw caution to the winds a bit if he wants his double century

kryogen

The weather really spoiled that!

BarryD

south africa

Hmm, Clarke declared and three quick wickets among a flurry of runs from SA. Johnson back to doing what he does best Not a dull moment with this game anyway!

kryogen

Australia in a commanding spot here, Clarke doesnt like to enforce the follow on does he?!

dfx-

Crucial few runs from Steyn, 190/6 to 287 all out makes it closer...SA should be looking to bat out the last 4 sessions..

Rjd2

south africa

kryogen wrote: »

Australia in a commanding spot here, Clarke doesnt like to enforce the follow on does he?!

Makes sense here, gives Steyn less time to recover and harris more time to recover!

Chasing here could be tricky and a session or so of Warner will give them ore than enough runs to play with.

South Africa have been outclassed every day, fully expect Australia to knock them over with plenty of time to spare.

BarryD

south africa

It seems that Clarke trusts his bowling attack more so than his batting? He backed his bowlers by declaring overnight after 2 days and they did the business yesterday, could have enforced follow on and maybe taken a quick wicket last night. But that would likely have meant batting last, maybe to get a couple of hundred to win on last day and that would mean pressure on the batting!! I suppose this way he's more in control of the declaration & outcome and can use the bowling attack to either win the game or force a draw. Mind you, Warner seems determined to show otherwise, he's fairly knocking them about!!

kryogen

His first declaration was forced a bit due to the time lost with the weather, he took the risk and when you have the likes of Harris and Mitch in your line up you would find most people would do the same I guess!

I would trust the Aussie bowlers ahead of the batsmen right now all the same, the issue with a declaration at the moment is how long is left in the match really, he cant go too aggressive just in case, there is no need. There should be no problem with knocking them over anyway, they will have time. If Doolan gets his ass in gear, or gets out we might see an earlier declaration because the run rate would go up significantly.

BarryD

south africa

Yes, it's an interesting situation. Aussies might have reason to fear the SA batsmen, if they get their eye in. So Clarke can't be too presumptive - you'd imagine he'll err on the side of a draw, but giving a chance of an Aussie win if the bowling goes well. After all, be a bit of a disaster for Aus is they lose, having dominated so much in first few days!

Warners rate of scoring dropping....

kryogen

Wouldnt worry about Warners rate dropping, it often happens as you come close to a century,(its still above 82 btw!) I think Clarke will go for the win, willing to risk the loss for it, its his nature, but no need to be totally reckless about it. He would have to think that 4 or the best part of 5 sessions will be enough to give them the chance to knock them over

BarryD

south africa

kryogen wrote: »

Wouldnt worry about Warners rate dropping, it often happens as you come close to a century

Think he only scored about 15 runs since last wicket in over 20 overs! That's some slowdown from what he was at before

kryogen

17 and how many balls did he face though? and it is Test cricket not a ODI or T20!

EG, the last 5 overs before lunch he faced 11 balls

kryogen

Now the run rate will either increase a lot very soon or one or both of these lads will be out very soon Great to see Warner hit another Test century, and against the top Test side in world cricket, fully expect him to loosen up again now and start swinging

kryogen

Watson has come out with some attitude!

BarryD

south africa

Sure seems a change in plans again! Warner was 75 off 57 balls and then just put on 17 for the next 50 or so. Of course, it's not a limited over match but it was just a weird change in his approach, which basically required putting up runs quickly so a sensible declaration can be made. Glad to see him get another century - good opening batsman. Doesn't seem to take too many risks but keeps the scoreboard ticking.

Edit to add: declaration within next 10 overs?

kryogen

I would also put it down to tactics, taking time off rather then taking risks, Doolan and his slow play early was a pain in the hole too, with Watson at the crease and from what I can tell, new instructions that consist of, get as many as you can quick! Warner can play his risky shots and not have to worry about getting bogged down knowing his partner will also be putting pressure on the bowlers

BarryD

south africa

Disastrous start for SA, 12/2..... if they get out of this one, it'll be a miracle. What's the weather forecast, I wonder?

Rjd2

south africa

BarryD wrote: »

Disastrous start for SA, 12/2..... if they get out of this one, it'll be a miracle. What's the weather forecast, I wonder?

Its lovely, they are goosed here.

Gillespy

Faf in next. I don't think so this time. Something like 40 overs to the new ball but they're reverse swinging this on now especially Pattinson. Lyon will have a say too.

Dale Steyn's fitness this series has been a major factor. Wasn't really fit at Centurion and broke down here at Newlands. He won the match at PE. Smith must thinking back to day 1 at Centurion, winning the toss and putting Australia in with doubts over Dale.

Last time I was on I was defending Michael Clarke. That was special, it deserves to decide this series.

Rjd2

south africa

Gillespy wrote: »

Faf in next. I don't think so this time. Something like 40 overs to the new ball but they're reverse swinging this on now especially Pattinson. Lyon will have a say too.

Dale Steyn's fitness this series has been a major factor. Wasn't really fit at Centurion and broke down here at Newlands. He won the match at PE. Smith must thinking back to day 1 at Centurion, winning the toss and putting Australia in with doubts over Dale.

Last time I was on I was defending Michael Clarke. That was special, it deserves to decide this series.

I'd have been worried for Australia before the Amla wicket, but its to much to expect AB and Faf to block this out especially against this attack which is much stronger than Adelaide and of course is fully fit.


Australia have deserved the series, all have contributed at various stages, Warner and Mitch have been the difference however, both outstanding, and unplayable for the most part.

South Africas batting has been poor but their bowling in this and the first test has hurt, Morkel always seems to be unlucky and bowls great spells but it does not translate on the scoreboard.

People were praising his hostility against Clarke but Clarke well and truly won the battle and that seems to be the story of his career. Australia also seem to be reasonably comfortable against Vern also and Steyn of course has had his injury issues. Abbot and Mc Claren have looked ok but not exactly unplayable.

Gillespy

The one time Morkel actually bowls an aggressive spell and he still didn't dismiss him. Yeah, it's always said that Morkel gets wickets at the other end but Johnson gets his own whilst intimidating and pushing batsmen back for Harris and Siddle to sweep up. Johnson did exactly what Morkel didn't do to get AB out.

Harris to get his knees looked after now, hopefully make a full recovery and plays in the next Ashes. It's India at home next isn't it or have they Pakistan away first? Crininfo calender thing doesn't even show the India series for some reason.

BarryD

south africa

You'd have to think that Abbot will fall fairly soon in the morning and next wicket after that will probably decide it. Hard to see them holding out against that bowling attack, lots of variety in it. Surely all the Aussie bowlers have to do is concentrate on getting the SA batsmen to play the ball and sooner or later they're going to edge them..

Gillespy

Does anyone know what the weather did Day 5 of the PE test? I know it was a special spell of bowling but to lose 9 wickets in a session was poor. Would the weather have saved them?

Rjd2

south africa

Gillespy wrote: »

The one time Morkel actually bowls an aggressive spell and he still didn't dismiss him. Yeah, it's always said that Morkel gets wickets at the other end but Johnson gets his own whilst intimidating and pushing batsmen back for Harris and Siddle to sweep up. Johnson did exactly what Morkel didn't do to get AB out.

Harris to get his knees looked after now, hopefully make a full recovery and plays in the next Ashes. It's India at home next isn't it or have they Pakistan away first? Crininfo calender thing doesn't even show the India series for some reason.

Pretty sure it is Pakistan first, India will be the Xmas touring side I assume.

Australia will be happy with Pakistan even in the UAE, they are very reliant on Younis, Misbah and Ajmal who seems to be faltering a little. The rest can be hit and miss especially the likes of Shafiq, hafeez, Manzoor, shezhad and which ever wicket keeper they go with.

The concern for Pakistan is they can't prepare dustbowls like India did for Australia because apart from the old lads the rest are poor against spin and of course if it seams, Australia have better quicks than Pakistan by a longshot and I say that as someone who rates Junaid quite highly.

It supposedly is a 3 test tour but of course it will probably be shortened to squeeze in more ODIS.

Australia will probably have to get another spinner in, maybe Beer although I could see Smith having great fun with all of them bar Misbah who will slog him silly as he does all part time spinners.

India will be a cakewalk, they just don't have the pacers or spinners to take 20 wickets outside the sub continent and I have deep concerns over all bar Kohli, Rahene and Pujara outside the SC.

kryogen

New ball cant come quick enough here, SA may hang on if it doesnt do something you know

Edit: I know its the safe play and all that, but this policy of just blocking the **** out of everything (rr @ about 1 an over right now!) is so boring I may have to start drinking early

BarryD

south africa

I wonder would pace at one end and spin at the other make it more awkward for the SAs? Either way, no point in bowling too many wide of the stumps and/or trying to tempt injudicious shots. Got to commit the batsman to play the ball or at least put them in two minds

kryogen

Think the tactic of spin at both ends was to help get through the overs to the new ball quicker as much as anything else I guess, and the obvious problems spin can pose too

Gillespy

HD Ackerman won't shut up about Australia bouncing the ball in. Wants overs taken away as punishment. His bias is too much at times.

Good back to the walls stuff this morning. New ball needs to open an end at least, if these two see it off they can really start to believe.

kryogen

AB is gone, huge wicket! Now a certain boardsies favourite player JP Duminy is out to save the match for SA

BarryD

south africa

Definite swing now to the Aussies - and there's going to be real snorters coming in every now & again. Hard to see SA holding out - don't deserve to get a draw anyway on basis of this match. But sport isn't always fair!!