Super Eight

[The Baconator]

Yeah, I'd say we'll up our game a bit and give them a reasonably good seeing-to. Could well beat t'Windies though.

 

[pup11]

Aren't Proteas already struggling in the NRR so if they lose another game they could be in some serious trouble.


I don't think one can count West Indies out of the equation just yet, because they might come out with a nothing to lose attitude and then they can be a dangerous side.

 

[Craig]

Would be tempting to put a few dollars on NZ beating Sri Lanka given their recent record against them if it appears Sri Lanka will be favourites for the SL - NZ game.

 

[Jono]

Hmm. Well, the bookies are still offering 5/1 on the Banglas so could be worth a quid or two if anyone's convinced. Me, I still think the 1/10 on us is better value.

Depends on the conditions. Anything similar to the SA game, where the pitch slows down, or the India game, where the pitch is slow but does a bit in the morning and Mortaza bowls out of his skin, and you never know.

Obviously a lot of ifs, but if they can beat India and SA, can't see why they can't beat England if a few things go their way.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Depends on the conditions. Anything similar to the SA game, where the pitch slows down, or the India game, where the pitch is slow but does a bit in the morning and Mortaza bowls out of his skin, and you never know.

Obviously a lot of ifs, but if they can beat India and SA, can't see why they can't beat England if a few things go their way.

Oh yeah, obviously they can beat us. I just don't think they will, although I doubt too many people got rich overestimating England tbh.

If not for nationality I'd like to see then do it as well.

 

[Poker Boy]

The WC needed that result - and I always thought the Tigers would take someone else out in the Super Eights (not just Ireland). I don't think they will get to the SF though as since they are a young team I don't think they are consistent enough to win every game but they could be the "kingmakers" IMO apart from Australia "its all up for grabs" (remember NZ have SA , SL and Ausie to play. If they lost all three (unlikely)they are not safe.)) Same with SL - they need to beat NZ IMO as you don't want to have to take anything off Australia and although they play Ireland last going into that game HAVING to win would make it nervy (they would hope for no rain). As for England we have to win at least three out of four and the one I'm least worried about is SA - because one of our main weaknesses is playing good spin in middle overs and SA don't have any! No 1 in the world my ass - IMO they are only no 3 - and that's among the non Aussie teams! (NZ and SL look better than them IMO) And why did Smith bowl first? Bangladesh's strength (and SA's weakness ) is spin - on that slow pitch you bat first and back your batsmen not to **** up like India's did. Thought - I bet you if that had been India he'd have batted - he probably thought since it was Bangladesh he could beat them either way (as Ponting thought in Cardiff - with similar succsess)

 

[Zinzan]

I got rubbished for stating it earlier, but I always said it was only a matter of time before the one-dimentional SA bowling attack would get found out on these pitches. Sure their batting was awful, but there is no way they should have conceded 250.

 

[Bob Bamber]

Strauss in for Joyce. Strange decision seeing as Joyce is in (comparatively) much better form that Vaughan. But as ever England are sticking with their specialist captian.

I think this should be a resonably comfortable win , 5 wickets perhaps. I see England making about 240-250. And the Aussies knocking them off. Or if they bat first Australia making 280 and England falling short.

 

[Scaly piscine]

England win the toss and bat.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Saj 'I can't believe it's not a slower ball' Mahmood plays yet again...

 

[Poker Boy]

Strauss in for Joyce. Strange decision seeing as Joyce is in (comparatively) much better form that Vaughan. But as ever England are sticking with their specialist captian.

I think this should be a resonably comfortable win , 5 wickets perhaps. I see England making about 240-250. And the Aussies knocking them off. Or if they bat first Australia making 280 and England falling short.

But you can't drop the captain can you? What puzzles me is if you are thinking of making this change why not play Serauss against Ireland to give him a knock? he hasn't batted in a competitive match since Australia - and I'm prety certain nets aren't the same as the middle. And to pitch him in with no middle practice (he didn't even play in the 13-a-side warm ups FGS) against our toughest oppo...a masterpiece of forward planning Duncan...

 

[Evermind]

Very unlikely for NZ to not qualify now. Aus are pretty much 100%. SL are about 75% certain.

The last spot will be contested by SA and Eng - but neither I believe will get to the final.

 

[Prince EWS]

Very unlikely for NZ to not qualify now. Aus are pretty much 100%. SL are about 75% certain.

The last spot will be contested by SA and Eng - but neither I believe will get to the final.

Sri Lanka aren't really much more secure than South Africa. South Africa lost to Bangladesh, yes, but they also beat Sri Lanka - so if everything goes "to plan" then those two teams will end up on the same points.

 

[steds]

You really think the Banglas will beat us?

Bangladesh having 3 spinners will count against us. We're not exactly experts at pushing the run rate along against them.

 

[Matt79]

Taito!!! Spud strikes!! Perfect start.

 

[steds]

Vaughan's ****ing useless. Send him back to France.

 

[Matt79]

He should take Strauss with him! Tait strikes again! Maybe Sebago is a better nickname than Spud...

 

[Barney Rubble]

Pietersen shouldering the bulk of the responsibility again. If I was him I'd be threatening to go back to SA by now, TBH.

 

[Matt79]

Maiden from Bracks keeps the pressure on. Australia bringing their A-game so far...

 

[Matt79]

Jeez, Harry's bird is alright...

Oh, and shot by KP I s'pose