I'm watching, vaguely. Haven't seen anything too aggressive from Nel, but he's bowled a few short balls at Chanderpaul now.
It's good that he's quiet at the moment. I'm just trying to figure out how a fast bowler who's been so poor for so long can find a place in a South Africa team that is supposedly spoiled for pace riches.
He does have an excellent record against the West Indies you know
Merde? Steyn isn't bowling as fast as he can and the ball isn't swinging too much either. I didn't watch the game yesterday, so I'm not sure what the ball was doing, but I get the feeling he is bowling within himself and just looking to contain the batsmen.
And virtually no one else.He does have an excellent record against the West Indies you know
Zondeki was the Pollock alternative I was thinking of. Nel has been in shocking form for a long long time. 30 wickets at 46.06 over his last 13 Tests. Striking at a mighty 86podd.
How many of those 13 Tests have been against Australia? I know it's not an excuse, but assuming there were a few, it's definitely a reason for him averaging so highly. 7 out of 31 career games against the best side in the world is bound to put a dent in your average. Nel has done well against India and England, although he's only played a handful of games.And virtually no one else.
Zondeki was the Pollock alternative I was thinking of. Nel has been in shocking form for a long long time. 30 wickets at 46.06 over his last 13 Tests. Striking at a mighty 86podd.
Would be happy with 400 tbh. Only really have confidence in Taylor's batting after Sammy. Powell has potential, but also has Tino syndrome. Edwards has solid defence, mind.
Precisely 3.
Nel averages 36.04 against Australia overall. 14 wickets in 3 games in Australia, then less effective in South Africa.
Batting to try and get 450 keeps SA out there longer in the field and probably helps get early wickets. Confident they have the ability to do it as you pointed out. Just about application.
ITSTL. Didn't realise he had been that bad. Makes it even more criminal that Pollock is sitting on the sidelines.
That's why I asked - i haven't seen much of him. I was asking whether this is how he mostly bowls, is he down on form/ pace/ whatever, or did he bowl out of his ying-yang v NZ? I just dunno.
He is holding back slightly, and the conditions aren't really suited to his style of bowling, hence his reluctance to crank up the pace. Against New Zealand he was much quicker (140-145) and got the ball to swing much more.
Ouch. Sounds a handful when he gets it right. What's his story? I think he may have toured here a few years ago but barely had a game. HaAs he had to wait around behind others or has he been injured?